A Brief History Of ADHD Medication Pregnancy History Of ADHD Medication Pregnancy
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or keep ADHD medications during breastfeeding and pregnancy is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these drugs may affect the fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus don't develop neurological disorders such as impaired vision or hearing, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality studies.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication should weigh the benefits of taking it against the potential risks for the foetus. Physicians don't have the data to provide clear recommendations but they can provide information on the risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make informed decisions.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who were taking adhd medication weight loss uk medications during early pregnancy did not have an increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large population-based study of case-control to assess the risk of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who had taken stimulants in the early stages of pregnancy, and those who did not. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts looked over the cases to make sure that the classification was correct and to reduce any bias.
However, the researchers' study had its limitations. The researchers were not able, in the first place to differentiate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult to know whether the small differences observed in the groups that were exposed result from medication use or confounding by comorbidities. Researchers also did not examine long-term outcomes for offspring.
The study revealed that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly higher chance of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to those whose mothers did not take any medication during pregnancy, or had quit taking the 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 used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an increased chance of having a caesarean birth or having a child with 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 small risks posed by the use of 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 condition. Doctors should discuss with their patients about this issue and try to help them develop coping skills that could 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 as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. most effective adhd medication for adults of the time, these decisions are made in the absence of clear and authoritative evidence either way, so physicians must weigh their knowledge from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and What Is The Most Common Adhd Medication Prescribed the research suggests about the subject as well as their best judgment for each individual patient.
In particular, the issue of potential risks for the baby can be a challenge. The research that has been conducted on this topic is based on observations instead of controlled studies and many of the findings are conflicting. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which can undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can lead to abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study discussed in the journal club addresses these issues, 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 However, other studies haven't established a link. The majority of studies show that there is a neutral, or slightly negative, impact. In the end an accurate risk-benefit analysis is required in every situation.
It can be challenging, if not impossible, for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. In fact, in a recent article 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 patients with ADHD. A decrease in medication could also impact the ability to drive safely and perform work-related tasks, which are crucial aspects of everyday life for those suffering from ADHD.
She suggests that women who are unsure about whether to keep or stop taking medication because of their pregnancy consider informing family members, friends and colleagues on the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of continuing the current treatment regimen. It will also help a woman feel confident about her decision. Certain medications can be passed through the placenta. If a woman decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the drug may be transferred to her infant.
Risk of Birth Defects
As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows as do concerns about the effects that the drugs could have on fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing knowledge about this subject. Researchers used two massive datasets to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnant women and determine if the use of stimulant medications increased birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to adhd medication guide medicines was associated with an increased risk of specific heart defects, like ventriculo-septal defects (VSD).
The authors of the study didn't discover any connection between early medication usage and other congenital anomalies such as facial deformities or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies which showed the existence of a slight, but significant increase in cardiac malformations for women who started taking ADHD medication prior to the time of the birth of their child. The risk increased in the latter part of pregnancy when a large number of women began to stop taking their medication.
Women who used ADHD medications during the first trimester of their pregnancies were also more likely to undergo caesarean section, low Apgar score after delivery and a baby that required help breathing at birth. The researchers of the study could not eliminate selection bias because they limited their study to women without 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 medication should 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 is not a recommended practice because of the high incidence of depression and other mental health problems among women who are pregnant or who are recently post-partum. Furthermore, research suggests that women who choose to stop taking their medications are more likely to experience a difficult time getting used to life without them following the baby's arrival.
Nursing
It can be overwhelming to become a mom. Women with ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must manage their symptoms, go to doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to a new routine. Therefore, many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medicines are absorbed by breast milk in small amounts, therefore the risk to the breastfeeding infant is minimal. The rate of exposure to medication will vary based on the dosage the medication is administered, its frequency and the time of the day. In addition, different drugs enter the infant's system via the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The effect on the health of a newborn is not fully known.
Because of the lack of research, some doctors might be tempted to stop taking stimulant medications during the pregnancy of a woman. This is a difficult decision for the patient, who must balance the benefits of keeping her medication against the possible dangers to the embryo. Until more information is available, doctors should inquire with all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and whether they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal time.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue taking their ADHD medication in a safe manner during pregnancy and breast-feeding. As a result, an increasing number of patients are choosing to do so and in consultation with their physician, they have found that the benefits of keeping their current medication far outweigh any potential risks.
Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek the advice of an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss the medication they are taking with their physician, and the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD understand the symptoms 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 doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if needed adjustments to the medication regime.