Three Of The Biggest Catastrophes In ADHD Medication Pregnancy History
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. There aren't many studies on how long-term exposure may affect a foetus.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus don't develop neurological 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 must weigh the benefits of taking it versus the risks for the fetus. Physicians don't have the data to give clear advice, but can provide information about risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make informed decisions.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during early pregnancy did not have a greater risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large sample-based case control study to examine the prevalence of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts reviewed the cases in order to confirm that the classification was accurate and to minimize any bias.
The study of the researchers was not without its limitations. The researchers were not able in the beginning to differentiate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This 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. In addition the study did not study the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.
The study did show that infants whose mothers took ADHD medications during pregnancy were at a 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. This increase was caused by central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication that was used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant get adhd medication online medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having to have a caesarean section or one whose baby scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases appeared to be independent of the type of medication used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the small risk of using ADHD medications during early pregnancies could be offset by the greater benefits to both mother and baby from continuing treatment for the woman’s disorder. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, if possible, assist them in developing strategies to improve their coping abilities that can lessen the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and relationships.
Medication Interactions
More and more doctors are adhd meds covered by ohip confronted with the dilemma of whether to keep treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are frequently made without clear and reliable evidence. Instead, doctors must weigh their own knowledge, the experience of other doctors and the research that has been conducted on the subject.
The issue of possible risks to the infant can be difficult to determine. The research on this subject is based on observations rather than controlled studies and many of the findings are contradictory. Furthermore, most studies restrict their analysis to live births, which may underestimate severe teratogenic effects that result in abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study discussed in the journal club addresses these limitations, by examining both the data from deceased and live births.
The conclusion: While some studies have found a positive association between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, others have found no such relationship and the majority of studies show a neutral or even slight negative effect. As a result an accurate risk-benefit analysis must be done in each situation.
For women suffering from ADHD who suffer from ADHD, the decision to discontinue medication is difficult if not impossible. In fact, in a recent article in the Archives of Women's Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can increase depression, feelings of loneliness, and family conflict for patients with ADHD. Additionally, the loss of medication can affect the ability to do jobs and drive safely which are essential aspects of daily life for many people suffering from ADHD.
She suggests women who are unsure about whether or not to discontinue medication due to their pregnancy consider educating family members, friends and colleagues on the condition, its impact on daily life, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment plan. Educating them can also help the woman feel supported as she struggles with her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If the patient decides not to take her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the medication could be passed on to her baby.
Risk of Birth Defects
As the use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows, so do concerns over the impact that these medications could have on foetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge on this subject. Utilizing two huge data sets researchers were able analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether stimulant best medication for adhd and anxiety (glamorouslengths.com) use increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk is low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medications was associated with a slightly higher rate of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).
The authors of the study did not discover any link between the use of early medications and congenital anomalies like facial deformities or club feet. The findings are in line with previous studies revealing a small but significant increase in the risk of heart malformations among women who started taking ADHD medications before the birth of their child. This risk increased in the later part of pregnancy, as many women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medication.
Women who took ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean delivery, have an insufficient Apgar after delivery, and have a baby that needed breathing assistance when they were born. However the authors of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by restricting the study to women who did not have other medical issues that could have contributed to these findings.
The researchers hope their study will help inform the clinical decisions of physicians who treat pregnant women. They advise that while discussing the risks and benefits is crucial, the decision to stop or keep treatment 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 alternative, it is not an option that is recommended due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental health problems among women who are pregnant or who are recently post-partum. Research has also shown that women who stop taking their medication will have a difficult adjustment to life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
The responsibilities of being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women suffering from strongest adhd medication for adults 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 new routines. As such, many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout the course of pregnancy.
The risk to nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk at a low level. The amount of exposure to medications will differ based on dosage, frequency of administration and the time of day. Additionally, individual medications enter the infant's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk. The impact of this on a newborn infant is not fully known.
Some physicians may discontinue stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. It is a difficult decision for the woman who must weigh the benefits of taking her medication as well as the risk to the embryo. As long as more information is available, GPs may ask pregnant patients whether they have a background of ADHD or if they intend to take medication in the perinatal stage.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue taking their ADHD medication safely during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. In response, a rising number of patients are choosing to continue their medication. They have discovered, in consultation with their physicians that the benefits of continuing their current medication far outweigh any possible risks.
Women with ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek the advice of a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber and discuss the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD recognize the signs and underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and reinforce the coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary approach with the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counselling should include the discussion of a plan for management for both the mother as well as the child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regimen.