The Most Pervasive Issues In ADHD Medication Pregnancy
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women suffering from ADHD have to make a difficult choice about whether to continue or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is a lack of information about how long-term exposure to these drugs can affect the fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological disorders such as impaired hearing or vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high quality studies are needed.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medication must evaluate the benefits of using it against the possible dangers for the fetus. Physicians don't have the necessary data to provide clear recommendations however they can provide information regarding benefits and risks that can help pregnant women make informed decisions.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during their early pregnancy did not have a higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based case control study to examine the prevalence of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who used stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists examined the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to minimize the possibility of bias.
However, the researchers' study had its limitations. The researchers were not able to, in the first place to distinguish the effects of the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult for researchers to determine if the few associations observed between the groups exposed were due to medication use or affected by comorbidities. The researchers did not study long-term outcomes for offspring.
The study did show that infants whose mothers took adhd medication uk buy online medication during pregnancy were at a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants who were born without any medication or had stopped their medications before or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medications used during pregnancy.
Women who used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an increased chance of having a caesarean section or having a child with 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 small risks associated with the use ADHD medications in early pregnancies could 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 issue and try to help them develop coping with adhd without medication (squareblogs.net) strategies that may reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the question of whether to keep or end treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more doctors confront. Often, these decisions are taken in the absence of clear and authoritative evidence regardless, so doctors must weigh their knowledge about their experiences, the experiences of other doctors, and what research suggests about the subject as well as their own best judgment for each individual patient.
The issue of potential risks to the infant can be difficult to determine. Many of the studies on this issue are based on observational evidence instead of controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. The majority of studies focus on live-births, which could underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects leading to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study discussed in the journal club addresses these shortcomings, by examining both information on deceased and live births.
Conclusion Some studies have revealed a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't shown such a relationship. The majority of studies show an unintended, or slightly negative, impact. In each case it is imperative to conduct a thorough study of the benefits and risks should be conducted.
For many women with adhd medication intuniv and ADD, the decision to stop taking medication can be 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 cause depression and feelings of loneliness. The loss of medication can affect the ability to drive safely and complete work-related tasks, which are vital aspects of everyday life for those with ADHD.
She recommends women who are uncertain about whether to continue or discontinue medication due to their pregnancy consider the possibility of educating friends, family members, and coworkers on the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and the advantages of continuing the current treatment regimen. Educating them can also make the woman feel more comfortable when she is struggling with her decision. It is important to note that certain medications can pass through the placenta so if a woman decides to stop her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware that the effects of the medication could be transferred to the child.
Birth Defects and Risk of
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. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge regarding this issue. Researchers used two massive data sets to examine more than 4.3 million pregnant women and determine if the use of stimulant medications caused birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the overall risk is low, first-trimester ADHD medication use was associated with slightly higher risk of certain heart defects, like ventriculoseptal defect.
The authors of the study didn't find any association between early use of medication and other congenital anomalies, like facial deformities or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies that have shown an increase, but not significant, in the risk of cardiac malformations in women who started taking ADHD medications before the time of pregnancy. The risk grew during the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women begin to discontinue their medication.
Women who took ADHD medications in the first trimester of their pregnancy were also more likely to experience a caesarean section, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who needed breathing assistance at birth. The researchers of the study could not remove bias in selection since they limited their study to women without other medical conditions that might have contributed to the findings.
Researchers hope that their study will inform physicians when they meet pregnant women. The researchers recommend that while discussing benefits and risks are important, the choice regarding whether or not to stop medication should be made according to the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.
The authors also advise that even though stopping the medication is an alternative, it is not an option that is recommended due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental health issues for women who are expecting or who are recently post-partum. Additionally, the research suggests that women who decide to stop their medications are more likely to experience difficulties adjusting to life without them following the birth of their baby.
Nursing
The responsibilities of being a new mother can be overwhelming. 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 baby and adjust to new routines. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant drugs are absorbed by breast milk in very small amounts, so the risk for infant who is breastfeeding is low. However, the rate of exposure to medications by the newborn may differ based on dosage, how often it is administered and the time of day the medication is administered. In addition, different medications enter the baby’s system via the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The effect on the health of a newborn isn't completely understood.
Some physicians may discontinue stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a complicated decision for the patient, who must balance the benefits of keeping her medication against the possible dangers to the fetus. As long as there is no more information, doctors should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and whether they are planning or taking to take medication during the perinatal time.
A increasing number of studies have shown that most women can safely continue their ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This has led to an increasing number of patients are choosing to do so, and in consultation with their doctor they have discovered that the benefits of maintaining their current medication far outweigh any potential risks.
Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor, and the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation should also be provided to help pregnant women suffering from managing adhd without medication adults be aware of their symptoms and the underlying disorder, learn about available treatment options and strengthen existing coping strategies. This should be a multidisciplinary approach with the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. Pregnancy counseling should include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, and monitoring for indicators of deterioration, and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regimen.