Begin By Meeting The Steve Jobs Of The ADHD Medication Pregnancy Industry
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medication during breastfeeding and pregnancy is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these medications may affect the foetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus do not develop neurological developmental disorders such as hearing or vision impairment seizures, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that further high-quality research is needed.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medication need to weigh the benefits of taking it versus the risks to the foetus. Physicians don't have the information needed to give clear guidelines however they can i get adhd medication without a diagnosis provide information regarding the risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication in early pregnancy were not at greater risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based case control study to compare the incidence of structural defects that were major in infants who were born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists reviewed the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to limit the possibility of bias.
The research conducted by the researchers had some limitations. In particular, they were not able to differentiate the effects of the medication from the underlying disorder. That limitation makes it difficult to know whether the small differences observed in the groups that were exposed are due to the use of medication or comorbidities that cause confusion. The researchers also did not look at long-term outcomes for the offspring.
The study found that infants whose mother took adhd medication not working medication during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU), compared to mothers who did not take any medication during pregnancy or quit taking the medication prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system-related disorders and the increased risk of admission was not found to be affected by the type of stimulant medication 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 an low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did not appear to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.
The researchers suggest that the low risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancy could be offset by the higher benefit for both mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's condition. Doctors should discuss with their patients about this and, if possible, help them improve coping skills which could reduce the impact of her disorder in her daily functioning and her relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the question of whether to keep or stop treatment during pregnancy is a question that doctors are having to have to face. Most of the time, these decisions are taken in the absence of clear and authoritative evidence regardless, so doctors must weigh their knowledge, the experiences of other doctors, and what the research says on the topic, along with their best judgment for each patient.
The issue of possible risks for infants can be extremely difficult. The research that has been conducted on this topic is based on observations rather than controlled studies, and many of the findings are in conflict. The majority of studies focus on live births, which may underestimate the teratogenic impact leading to abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these issues, by examining both data on live and deceased births.
Conclusion A few studies have revealed a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't shown such a relationship. Most studies show an unintended, or slightly negative, effect. In the end an accurate risk-benefit analysis must be done in each situation.
For women suffering from ADHD and ADD, the decision to discontinue medication is difficult, if not impossible. In a recent piece published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping adhd medication weekends adults ADHD medications during pregnancy can increase depression and feelings of loneliness. The loss of medication can also impact the ability to drive safely and to perform work-related tasks which are vital aspects of daily life for those with ADHD.
She recommends women who are unsure about whether to continue or discontinue medication due to their pregnancy consider the possibility of educating friends, family members and colleagues about the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and the advantages of continuing the current treatment plan. It can also help a woman feel more confident in her decision. It is important to remember that some medications can be absorbed through the placenta so if the patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware that traces of the drug can be transferred to the infant.
Risk of Birth Defects
As the use and misuse of ADHD medication to treat symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases, so does adhd medication work concern about the potential adverse effects of the drugs on foetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body knowledge on this topic. Utilizing two huge data sets, researchers were able to look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall is low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medicines was associated with an increased risk of specific heart defects, like ventriculo-septal defects (VSD).
The researchers of the study did not find any association between early medication usage and other congenital anomalies like facial deformities or club feet. The results are in agreement with previous studies that showed a small, but significant increase in cardiac malformations for women who started taking ADHD medication prior to pregnancy. The risk increased in the latter part of pregnancy when many women decided to stop taking their medication.
Women who took ADHD medications during the first trimester of pregnancy were also more likely to experience a caesarean section, a low Apgar score after delivery and a baby who needed breathing assistance at birth. The researchers of the study were not able to eliminate bias due to selection because they limited their study to women with no other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope their research will serve to inform the clinical decisions of physicians who see pregnant women. They recommend that, while a discussion of the risks and benefits is crucial however, the decision to stop or keep medication must be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors warn that, even though stopping the medication is an option to look into, it is not recommended due to the high rate depression and mental health issues in women who are expecting or recently gave birth. Further, the research suggests that women who decide to stop taking their medications are more likely to experience difficulties getting used to life without them after the baby's arrival.
Nursing
The responsibilities that come with being a new mother can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD can face severe challenges when they have to manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to new routines. As such, many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout the course of pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medications pass through breast milk in low amounts, so the risk to nursing infant is very low. The amount of exposure to medications will vary based on the dosage the medication is administered, its frequency and time of day. In addition, different medications enter the baby’s system via the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The impact of these medications on a newborn's health is not completely understood.
Because of the lack of research, some physicians may be inclined to discontinue stimulant drugs during the course of pregnancy. This is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the advantages of taking her medication as well as the risks to the foetus. Until more information becomes available, GPs can inquire about pregnant patients if they have any history of ADHD or if they plan to take medication in the perinatal period.
A increasing number of studies have revealed that the majority of women are able to safely continue to take their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In response, a growing number of patients are opting to continue their medication. They have concluded after consulting with their physicians that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh possible risks.
Women who suffer from ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their physician and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continuing treatment, including Non Stimulant Adhd Medications For Adults-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD be aware of the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and strengthen coping mechanisms. This should include an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, monitoring of signs of deterioration, and, if needed, adjustments to the medication regimen.