One Of The Most Innovative Things Happening With ADHD Medication Pregnancy
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or keep ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these drugs may affect the foetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological problems such as impaired hearing or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who take ADHD medications need to balance the benefits of using them against the risks to the fetus. Doctors don't have enough data to make unambiguous recommendations but they can provide information on the risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making an informed decision.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications during their early pregnancy did not have an higher risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers conducted a large population-based case-control study to evaluate the incidence of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who had taken stimulants in the early stages of pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts examined the cases to confirm that the classification was correct and to eliminate any bias.
The study conducted by the researchers was not without its limitations. Most important, they were not able to differentiate the effects of the medication from the disorder at hand. That limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the small associations observed in the exposed groups are due to medication use or comorbidities that cause confusion. Researchers also did not look at long-term outcomes for the offspring.
The study did show that babies whose mothers had taken ADHD medications during pregnancy were at a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants who whose mothers did not take any medication or cut back on their medications prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders. The increased 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 elevated risk of having a caesarean section or having a baby with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did not appear to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the minor risks posed by the use of ADHD medications in early pregnancies could be offset by the greater benefits to both baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should speak with their patients about this and try to help them develop coping strategies that could reduce the impact of her disorder in her daily life and relationships.
Interactions with Medication
More and more doctors are faced with the decision of whether to keep treatment or stop it during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. The majority of these decisions are made without any evidence that is clear and definitive either way, so physicians have to weigh their experience about their experiences, the experiences of other doctors, and what research suggests about the subject, along with their best judgment for each patient.
The issue of risk for infants can be extremely difficult. Many studies on this topic are based on observations rather than controlled research and their findings are often contradictory. The majority of studies limit their analysis to live-births, which could underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that can lead to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these issues by examining data on both live and deceased births.
Conclusion A few studies have revealed an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects However, other studies haven't found a correlation. Most studies show a neutral, or even slightly negative, impact. In the end, a careful risk/benefit assessment must be done in each case.
For many women with ADHD and ADD, the decision to stop taking 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 medications during pregnancy can lead to depression and feelings of loneliness. In addition, a decrease in medication may affect the ability to complete jobs and drive safely, which are important aspects of a normal life for many people suffering from ADHD.
She suggests women who are uncertain about whether or not to stop medication in light of their pregnancy consider informing family members, friends and colleagues about the condition, its effects on daily life, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen. It can also help women feel more confident in her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If the patient decides to not take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the drug could be passed on to her infant.
Birth Defects Risk
As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as do concerns over the impact that these medications could have on fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body knowledge on this issue. Researchers utilized two massive data sets to study more than 4.3 million pregnancy and determine if the use of stimulant medications 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 a slightly higher rate of certain heart defects such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).
The authors of the study did not discover any connection between early medication usage and other congenital anomalies, such as facial deformities or club feet. The findings are in line with previous studies showing an increase, but not significant, in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who started taking adhd medication names list Medications used to treat adhd before the birth of their child. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy, when many women are forced to stop taking their medication.
Women who took ADHD medication in the first trimester of their pregnancy were also more likely to have caesarean sections, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who needed breathing assistance at birth. The authors of the study were unable to remove bias in selection since they restricted the study to women with no other medical conditions that might have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope their research will aid in the clinical decisions of doctors who treat pregnant women. The researchers suggest that while discussing the risks and benefits are important, the choice on whether to continue or stop medication should be made in light of the severity of each woman's intuitive adhd medication symptoms and her needs.
The authors also caution that, while stopping the medication is an option, it is not a recommended practice because of the high rate of depression and other mental health problems for women who are expecting or who are recently post-partum. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medication will have a difficult transitioning to life without them once the baby is born.
Nursing
It can be overwhelming to become a mother. Women suffering from getting adhd medication uk are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must deal with their symptoms, attend doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to new routines. Therefore, many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout pregnancy.
The risk to breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medications is absorbed through breast milk in low amounts. However, the amount of medication exposure to the newborn can vary depending on dosage, frequency it is taken and at what time it is administered. Additionally, different medications enter the baby’s system through the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The impact on the health of a newborn is not fully comprehended.
Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the benefits of taking her medication as well as the risk to the embryo. Until more information becomes available, doctors may ask pregnant patients whether they have any history of ADHD or if they plan to take medication in the perinatal phase.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can my general practitioner prescribe adhd medication continue taking their ADHD medication without risk while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. In the end, an increasing number of patients opt to do this, and in consultation with their physician, they have found that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh any potential risks.
Women with ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek advice from an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication 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 suffering from ADHD be aware of the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also learn about treatment options and reinforce coping mechanisms. This should involve a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration and, if needed modifications to the medication regime.