The 10 Scariest Things About ADHD Medication Pregnancy
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or continue ADHD medication during pregnancy and nursing is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these drugs could affect the fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological problems like hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality studies.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who take ADHD medications need to balance the benefits of using them against the risks to the fetus. Doctors don't have enough data to give clear advice but they can provide information on the risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at greater risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers used a vast population-based study of case-control to determine the prevalence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who had taken stimulants in the early stages of pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists looked over the cases to ensure correct classification of the cases and to reduce the chance of bias.
The research conducted by the researchers was not without limitations. most effective adhd medication for adults uk (This Internet site) important, they were unable to separate the effects of the medication from those of the disorder that is underlying. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the small associations observed among the groups exposed were due to medication use or affected by the presence of comorbidities. Additionally, the researchers did not examine the long-term outcomes of offspring.
The study found that infants whose mother had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy had a higher chance of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to mothers who didn't take any medication during pregnancy or quit taking the medication prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication that was used during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having caesarean sections or a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases appear to be unrelated to the type of medication used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the small risk of using ADHD medications during early pregnancies can be offset by more beneficial outcomes for both baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, where possible, help them develop strategies for improving their coping skills that can lessen the negative impact of her condition on her daily functioning and relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the issue of whether or not to stop treatment during pregnancy is one that doctors are having to confront. The majority of these decisions are made in the absence of any evidence that is clear and definitive regardless, so doctors must weigh what they know from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and what the research suggests on the subject, along with their own best adhd medication for adults uk judgment for each individual patient.
Particularly, the subject of potential risks for the baby can be a challenge. The research on this subject is based on observations rather than controlled studies, and many of the findings are contradictory. Furthermore, most studies restrict their analysis to live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that could lead to abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study discussed in this journal club addresses these issues by analyzing data on live and deceased births.
Conclusion A few studies have found a positive correlation between adhd medication in uk medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't found a correlation. Most studies have shown an unintended, or slightly negative, effect. In all cases an in-depth analysis of the benefits and risks is required.
It isn't easy, but not impossible for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In an article published in Archives of Women's Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can increase depression, feelings of isolation and family conflict for these patients. Additionally, the loss of medication can interfere with the ability to complete work-related tasks and safely drive which are essential aspects of daily life for many people with ADHD.
She recommends women who are uncertain about whether to continue or discontinue medication due to their pregnancy consider the possibility of educating friends, family members, and coworkers on the condition, its effects on daily life, and the advantages of continuing the current treatment plan. In addition, educating them can aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported in her struggle with her decision. It is important to note that some drugs can be absorbed through the placenta so if the patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware of the possibility that traces of the medication could be transferred to the infant.
Birth Defects Risk
As the use and abuse of ADHD medications to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases, so does concern about the potential adverse effects of the drugs on fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge regarding this subject. Researchers used two massive data sets to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine if stimulant medication use increased birth defects. Although the risk overall is low, the researchers did find that first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was associated with a slightly higher rate of certain heart defects, such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).
The researchers of the study could not discover any connection between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies, like facial deformities, or club feet. The findings are in line with previous studies revealing an increase, but not significant, in the risk of developing cardiac malformations among women who began taking prescribe adhd medication medications before the time of pregnancy. The risk increased in the latter half of pregnancy when many women decided to stop taking their medication.
Women who were taking ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely to need a caesarean, have an insufficient Apgar after birth and have a baby that needed breathing assistance after birth. The authors of the study were not able to remove bias in selection since they limited their study to women with no other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.
Researchers hope that their study will provide doctors with information when they encounter pregnant women. The researchers recommend that, while discussing benefits and risks are important, the decision on whether to continue or stop taking medication should be according to the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and the needs of the woman.
The authors caution that, although stopping the medication is an option to think about, it isn't advised due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental problems in women who are expecting or have recently given birth. Research has also shown that women who stop taking their medications will have a difficult adjustment to life without them once the baby is born.
Nursing
It can be a stressful experience to become a mom. Women who suffer from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must manage their symptoms, go to doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a baby and adjust to a new routine. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The risk to breastfeeding infant is not too high since the majority of stimulant medication is absorbed through breast milk at low levels. The rate of medication exposure can vary depending upon the dosage, frequency of administration and time of day. Additionally, different medications enter the baby’s system via the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The impact on the health of a newborn isn't completely understood.
Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the absence of research. It's a difficult choice for the mother, who must weigh the benefits of her medication against the potential risks to the fetus. Until more information is available, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and whether they are taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal time.
Many studies have shown that women can continue taking their ADHD medication safely during pregnancy and breast-feeding. This has led to an increasing number of patients choose to do so and, after consulting with their doctor, they have discovered that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh any risks.
Women who suffer from ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek advice from an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their prescriber and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continuing treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD be aware of the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and strengthen the coping mechanisms. This should include an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration and, if necessary modifications to the medication regime.