Why Nobody Cares About ADHD Medication Pregnancy
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women suffering from ADHD must make a difficult decision on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD best medication for adhd and anxiety during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these medications may affect the fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus do not develop neurological conditions like hearing loss or impaired vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and take ADHD medication must evaluate the benefits of using it against the possible risks to the foetus. Doctors don't have enough data to make unambiguous recommendations however they can general practitioners prescribe adhd medication provide information on the risks and benefits to help pregnant women make an informed decision.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who were taking ADHD medications in early pregnancy did not have an increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large population-based case-control study to assess the risk of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who had taken stimulants during the early stages of pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists examined the cases to ensure correct classification of the cases and to reduce the chance of bias.
However, the researchers' study was not without its flaws. Researchers were unable, in the first place to differentiate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to establish whether the small associations observed among the groups that were exposed to medication use or caused by comorbidities. In addition the researchers did not study the long-term outcomes of offspring.
The study revealed that infants whose mother had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU), compared to those whose mothers did not use any medication during pregnancy, or had discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medication that was used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an increased chance of having a caesarean delivery or having a baby with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These risks did not appear to be affected by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the small risks associated with the use ADHD medications in early pregnancies may be offset by the more beneficial outcomes for both mother and baby of continuing treatment for the woman’s disorder. Physicians should speak with their patients about this and as much as possible, assist them improve coping skills which may reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
Many doctors are confronted with the dilemma of whether to maintain treatment or stop during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. Often, these decisions are made without solid and reliable evidence either way, so physicians have to weigh their experience about their experiences, the experiences of other doctors, and what the research says on the topic, along with their own judgments for each patient.
Particularly, the issue of possible risks to the baby can be tricky. The research on this issue is based on observations rather than controlled studies and many of the findings are in conflict. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which could undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can lead to abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study discussed in the journal club addresses these limitations, by examining both the data from deceased and live births.
Conclusion A few studies have shown an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects, other studies have not established a link. Most studies show an unintended, or somewhat negative, effect. In each case it is imperative to conduct a thorough analysis of the potential risks and benefits should be conducted.
It can be difficult, if not impossible for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. In a recent piece published in Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can cause depression and feelings of loneliness. A decrease in medication could also affect the ability to drive safely and complete work-related tasks, which are vital aspects of everyday life for those suffering from adhd over the counter medication uk.
She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to continue taking medication or stop it due to their pregnancy, educate their family members, colleagues, and acquaintances about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of continuing the current treatment plan. Educating them can also aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported in her struggle with her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If a woman decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the medication could be passed on to her baby.
Birth Defects Risk
As the use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as do concerns over the impact that these drugs might have on the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge on this topic. Researchers utilized two massive datasets to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine if stimulant medication use increased birth defects. Researchers discovered that although the overall risk is low, the first trimester ADHD exposure to medication was associated with slightly higher risk of specific heart defects like ventriculoseptal defects.
The researchers behind the study found no connection between early medication use and other congenital anomalies, such as facial clefting or club foot. The results are in the same vein as previous studies that showed an insignificant, but small increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who began taking strongest adhd medication, visit the next site, medication before the birth of their child. This risk increased in the latter half of pregnancy, when many women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medication.
Women who took ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean delivery and also have a low Apgar after birth and have a baby that needed breathing assistance after birth. However, the authors of the study were unable to eliminate bias due to selection by limiting the study to women who did not have other medical issues that could be a contributing factor to these findings.
Researchers hope that their study will inform physicians when they encounter pregnant women. They suggest that although discussing the benefits and risks is important but the decision to stop or continue treatment must be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors also caution that even though stopping the medication is an option, it isn't an option to consider due to the high incidence of depression and other mental health problems for women who are expecting or who are recently postpartum. Furthermore, research suggests that women who decide to stop taking their medication are more likely to experience a difficult time adjusting to life without them after the birth of their baby.
Nursing
It can be a stressful experience to become a mom. Women who suffer from ADHD who must work through their symptoms while attending physician appointments as well as making preparations for the arrival of their child and adjusting to new household routines may face a lot of challenges. As such, many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout the course of pregnancy.
The risk to breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medication is absorbed through breast milk in low amounts. However, the frequency of exposure to medication by the infant can differ based on dosage, frequency it is taken and the time of the day the medication is administered. Additionally, individual medications enter the body of the baby differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk. The impact of this on a newborn is not yet fully known.
Because of the lack of research, some doctors may recommend stopping stimulant drugs during the pregnancy of a woman. This is a complicated decision for the patient, who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the possible risks to the embryo. As long as there is no more information, doctors should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with common adhd medications uk and if 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 while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. As a result, more and more patients choose to do so and in consultation with their physician, they have found that the benefits of keeping their current medication exceed any risk.
Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek the advice of a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their doctor and discuss the pros and cons of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women with ADHD be aware of the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and build coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary approach with the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counselling should include discussion of a management plan for both the mother as well as the child, monitoring for signs of deterioration and the need for adjustments to the medication regimen.