15 Trends That Are Coming Up About ADHD Medication Pregnancy
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women suffering from ADHD have to make a difficult choice on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There are few data regarding how exposure over time may affect the pregnant 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 that more high quality studies are required.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and take add adhd medications best medication for adhd and anxiety (ulrich-sutherland.Mdwrite.net) should weigh the benefits of taking it against the potential risks for the baby. The doctors don't have the information to make unambiguous recommendations however they can provide information about risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at a greater risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a massive population-based case control study to assess the frequency of major structural defects in infants born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists examined the cases to ensure an accurate case classification and to minimize the chance of bias.
The study conducted by the researchers had some limitations. The most important issue was that they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from the effects of the underlying disorder. This makes it difficult to determine whether the limited associations observed in the groups that were exposed result from medication use or comorbidities that cause confusion. In addition the researchers did not look at long-term offspring outcomes.
The study found that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to mothers who did not 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 higher risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication that was used during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an increased chance of having a caesarean delivery or having a child with a low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did appear to be unrelated to the type of medication used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the minor risks associated with the use ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages may be offset by the greater benefits for mother and baby of continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this and, if possible, help them improve coping skills which may reduce the impact of her disorder in her daily functioning and her relationships.
Medication Interactions
Doctors are increasingly confronted with the dilemma of whether to keep treatment or stop it during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are usually taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, physicians must weigh their own knowledge and experience, as well as the experiences of other physicians and the research that has been conducted on the subject.
Particularly, the subject of potential risks for the baby can be a challenge. A lot of studies on this issue are based on observational data rather than controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that could result in abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these issues by looking at data from both live and deceased births.
Conclusion: While some studies have found an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects, other studies have not found a correlation. Most studies show a neutral, or even somewhat negative, effect. Therefore, a careful risk/benefit analysis must be done in each instance.
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 starting adhd medication adults medication during pregnancy can lead to increased depression, feelings of isolation, and family conflict for those suffering from the disorder. In addition, a decrease in medication can interfere with the ability to perform job-related tasks and drive safely which are essential aspects of daily life for many people with ADHD.
She suggests that women who are unsure about whether to continue or stop taking medication because of their pregnancy should consider educating family members, friends and colleagues on the condition, its impact on daily life, and the advantages of continuing the current treatment regimen. In addition, educating them can aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported when she is struggling with her decision. It is important to remember that some drugs can pass through the placenta so if a woman decides to stop her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware of the possibility that traces of the drug could be transferred to the child.
Risk of Birth Defects
As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows, so do concerns about what impact the drugs could have on the fetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge on this subject. Using two massive data sets researchers were able analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies to determine whether the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the risk overall is low, first-trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher risk of specific heart defects like ventriculoseptal defect.
The authors of the study didn't discover any connection between early use of medication and other congenital anomalies, such as 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 in women who can prescribe adhd medication for adults started taking ADHD medications prior to pregnancy. The risk was higher during the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women decide to stop taking their medication.
Women who were taking ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean birth and also have an insufficient Apgar after birth and had a baby that required breathing assistance after birth. The authors of the study were not able to eliminate selection bias because they limited their study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.
Researchers hope that their research will provide doctors with information when they meet pregnant women. They advise that while the discussion of the benefits and risks is important but the decision to stop or maintain treatment must be based on each woman's requirements and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors also caution that, while stopping the medication is an option, it is not an option that is recommended due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental health problems in women who are pregnant or recently postpartum. Furthermore, research suggests that women who choose to stop their medications are more likely to experience a difficult time getting used to life without them following the birth of their baby.
Nursing
It can be a challenge to become a mom. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to deal with their symptoms while attending physician appointments, getting ready for the arrival of a child and adjusting to new household routines can experience severe challenges. As such, many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout the course of pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medicines are absorbed through breast milk in small amounts, therefore the risk to infant who is breastfeeding is low. The rate of exposure to medication can vary depending upon the dosage the medication is administered, its frequency and time of day. In addition, individual medications enter the infant's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk. The impact of this on a newborn infant is not well understood.
Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the absence of research. It is a difficult decision for the woman, who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the risk to the fetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors may ask pregnant patients whether they have a history of ADHD or if they are planning to take medication in the perinatal phase.
Numerous studies have proven that women can continue to take their ADHD medication safely while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. In response, an increasing number of patients are opting to do this. They have found through consultation with their doctor, that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh any risk.
It is essential for women with ADHD who can prescribe medication for adhd are thinking of breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's guidance prior to becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their doctor and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continuing treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women with ADHD recognize the signs and the underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and strengthen coping mechanisms. This should be an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, monitoring of signs of deterioration and, if necessary modifications to the medication regime.