The ethics of randomized placebo controlled trials of antidepressants with pregnant women

In recent years, a number of authors have advocated the merits of conducting randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of antidepressants in women with nervous disorders during the prenatal period. However, a critical review of the literature indicates RCTs are not justifiable. At a time when it has become clear that a significant proportion of the existing literature on the use of pharmaceutical agents is ghostwritten, ethicists and others making …