Why People Don t Care About ADHD Medication Pregnancy
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or continue ADHD medications during breastfeeding and pregnancy is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these drugs can affect the foetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication in the uterus don't develop neurological disorders such as hearing or vision impairment, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high quality studies are needed.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and take ADHD medication must evaluate the benefits of using it versus the dangers for the foetus. Doctors don't have the information needed to provide clear recommendations however they can provide information regarding risks and benefits that aid pregnant women in making informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking adhd anxiety medication medication during their early pregnancy did not have a higher risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers used a vast population-based case-control study to evaluate the incidence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who took stimulants during the early stages of pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists looked over the cases to ensure accurate classification of the cases and to reduce the possibility of bias.
However, the researchers' study had its limitations. In particular, they were unable to separate the effects of the medication from the effects of the disorder at hand. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to establish whether the small associations observed among the groups that were exposed to the use of medications or if they were caused by comorbidities. The researchers did not look at long-term outcomes for offspring.
The study did show that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a higher risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants whose mothers had not taken any medication or had cut back on their medications 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 medications used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having a caesarean section or a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases did appear to be independent of the type of medication used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the minor risks posed by the use of adhd over the Counter medication uk medication during pregnancies in the early stages can be offset by more beneficial outcomes for both mother and baby of continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, when possible, assist them in developing strategies to improve their coping abilities that can lessen the negative impact of her condition on her daily life and relationships.
Interactions with Medication
As more women than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the question of whether or not to stop treatment during pregnancy is one that doctors are having to face. The majority of these decisions are made without any evidence that is clear and definitive either way, so physicians must weigh what they know from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and what the research says on the topic as well as their own best judgment for each individual patient.
In particular, the issue of possible risks to the infant can be difficult. The research on this issue is based on observations instead of controlled studies and the results are contradictory. Furthermore, most studies restrict their analysis to live births, which may underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that could result in abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these issues by analyzing both the data from deceased and live births.
The conclusion is that while some studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, other studies have found no such relationship and the majority of studies show a neutral or even slight negative effect. In all cases it is imperative to conduct a thorough evaluation of the benefits and risks must be performed.
It can be challenging, if not impossible, for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. In fact, in an article recently published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health, psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can cause depression, feelings of loneliness, and family conflict for those suffering from the disorder. Additionally, the loss of medication can affect the ability to complete jobs and drive safely that are crucial aspects of a normal life for many people suffering from ADHD.
She suggests women who are unsure about whether or not to stop taking medication because of their pregnancy consider the possibility of educating friends, family members and colleagues on the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and on the advantages of continuing the current treatment plan. It can also help a woman feel more confident in her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If a patient decides to not take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is crucial to be aware that the drug could be transferred to the baby.
Risk of Birth Defects
As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases there are concerns over the impact that these medications could have on fetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing knowledge about this subject. Utilizing two huge data sets researchers were able analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers found that while the risk overall is low, first-trimester ADHD medication use was associated with slightly higher rates of certain heart defects, like ventriculoseptal defect.
The researchers of the study found no link between early medication use and other congenital anomalies, like facial clefting, or club foot. The findings are in line with previous studies revealing an increase, but not significant, in the risk of heart malformations among women who started taking ADHD medications prior to pregnancy. The risk grew during the latter part of pregnancy, when many women begin to discontinue their ADHD medication.
Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely to need a caesarean or have a low Apgar after birth and have a baby who needed help breathing when they were born. However, the authors of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by limiting the study to women who did not have any other medical issues that could have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope that their research will aid in the clinical decisions of doctors who encounter pregnant women. They advise that while the discussion of the benefits and risks is important however, the decision to stop or continue medication must be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors also advise that, while stopping the medication is an alternative, it is not a recommended practice because of the high prevalence of depression and other mental health issues among women who are pregnant or recently postpartum. Additionally, research suggests that women who stop taking their medication will have a harder adjustment to life without them once the baby is born.
Nursing
It can be overwhelming to become a mom. Women who suffer from adhd inattentive type medication may face a lot of challenges when they must manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to new routines. Many women decide 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 in low amounts. However, the frequency of exposure to medications by the infant can differ based on dosage, how often it is taken and the time of day the medication is administered. Additionally, different medications enter the body of the baby differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk, and the effect of this on a newborn isn't well understood.
Because of the lack of research, some doctors may be inclined to discontinue stimulant medication during the course of pregnancy. It's a difficult choice for the woman, who must weigh the benefits of taking her medication as well as the risk to the fetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors should inquire with all pregnant patients about their experience with adhd medication names uk and whether they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal time.
Numerous studies have proven that women can continue taking their ADHD medication in a safe manner during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. In the end, more and more patients are choosing to do so and in consultation with their doctor they have found that the benefits of maintaining their current medication far exceed any risk.
It is essential for women with ADHD who are thinking of breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their physician and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation should also be provided to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD be aware of their symptoms and the root cause Learn about the available treatment options and strengthen existing strategies for coping. This should include a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regime.