20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In ADHD Medication Pregnancy
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women suffering from ADHD have to make a difficult choice regarding whether or not to stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these drugs may affect the fetus.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus don't develop neurological developmental conditions like hearing or vision impairment, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medication should weigh the benefits of taking it against the possible risks to the baby. Physicians do not have the data needed to provide clear recommendations however they can provide information on the risks and benefits to assist pregnant women in making informed decisions.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took adhd medication uk for adults (intern.ee.Aeust.Edu.tw) medication in early pregnancy were not at a greater risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers used a vast population-based case-control study to determine the prevalence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who took stimulants during early pregnancy and those who had not. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists reviewed the cases to ensure an accurate case classification and to limit the chance of bias.
The research conducted by the researchers was not without 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 exposed were due to the use of medication, or if they were confounded by comorbidities. In addition the study did not examine the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.
The study revealed that infants whose mother took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly higher chance of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU), compared to those whose mothers didn't take any medication during pregnancy or stopped taking their medication before or during pregnancy. This increase was due to central nervous system-related disorders and the increased risk for admission did not appear to be influenced by the stimulant medications were used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an increased chance of having a caesarean section or having a baby born with low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases appear to be unrelated to the type of medication used during pregnancy.
The research suggests that the small risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy could be offset by the higher benefit to both mother and child of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should speak with their patients about this and, if possible, help them develop coping strategies that may reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and her relationships.
Medication Interactions
Doctors are increasingly confronted with the dilemma of whether to maintain treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are often taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors have to take into account their own experience in conjunction with the experiences of other doctors and the research on the subject.
The issue of possible risks to infants is difficult to determine. The research that has been conducted on this topic is based on observation rather than controlled studies, and many of the findings are contradictory. The majority of studies focus on live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects leading to abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study discussed in this journal club addresses these limitations by examining data on both live and deceased births.
The conclusion is that while some studies have found that there is a positive correlation between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, other studies have not found any evidence of a link and the majority of studies show a neutral or even slightly negative impact. In the end, a careful risk/benefit analysis must be done in each case.
For women suffering from ADHD and ADD, the decision to stop taking medication is difficult, if not impossible. In a recent article in the Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can increase depression and feelings of loneliness. A decrease in medication could affect the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are crucial aspects of daily life for those suffering from adhd no medication.
She suggests that women who are unsure whether to continue taking the medication or discontinue it due to pregnancy should educate family members, coworkers and friends about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment. It can also help the woman feel supported when she is struggling with her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If a patient decides to stop taking her concerta adhd medication medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the medication could be passed on to her infant.
Risk of Birth Defects
As the use and abuse of ADHD medications to treat the symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing as does the 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 on this issue. With two massive data sets researchers were able to look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall remains low, the scientists did find that first-trimester exposure to ADHD medicines was associated with an increased risk of certain heart defects like ventriculo-septal defects (VSD).
The researchers of the study found no link between early medication use and congenital abnormalities like facial clefting, or club foot. The results are consistent with previous studies showing an increase, but not significant, in the risk of developing cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medications before pregnancy. The risk increased in the latter stages of pregnancy, when a lot of women began to stop taking their 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 delivery and have a baby who needed breathing assistance at birth. The researchers of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias because they limited the study to women with no other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope that their research will aid in the clinical decisions of physicians who encounter pregnant women. The researchers suggest that, while discussing risks and benefits are important, the choice regarding whether or not to stop taking medication should be in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her requirements.
The authors warn that, although stopping the medication is a possibility to think about, it isn't advised due to the high rate depression and other mental problems among women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. Additionally, research suggests that women who stop taking their medication will have a tough time adjusting to a life without them once the baby is born.
Nursing
It can be overwhelming to become a mother. Women suffering from ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to new routines. This is why many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.
The risk to a breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medications passes through breast milk in low amounts. The rate of medication exposure can vary depending upon the dosage and frequency of administration as well as the time of the day. In addition, different medications are introduced into the baby's system through the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The impact on the health of a newborn isn't completely understood.
Some physicians may discontinue stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the absence of research. It is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the benefits of taking her medication as well as the risk to the foetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, GPs may inquire about pregnant patients if they have an background of ADHD or if they are planning to take medication during the perinatal period.
Numerous studies have proven that women can continue taking their ADHD medication safely while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. In response, a growing number of patients are choosing to do so. They have discovered, in consultation with their physicians, that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh any potential risks.
It is crucial for women suffering from ADHD who are considering breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their prescriber and discuss the pros and cons of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help women with ADHD understand their symptoms and the underlying disorder, learn about available treatment options and strengthen existing strategies for managing adhd without medication adults. This should include a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP doctors prescribing adhd medication, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Counselling for pregnancy should include the discussion of a treatment plan for both mother and child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration, and the need for adjustments to the medication regimen.