20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In ADHD Medication Pregnancy

inattentive adhd medication adults Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women suffering from ADHD must make a difficult decision on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There are few data on how long-term exposure may 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 hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality research.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medications need to balance the benefits of using them against the risks to the fetus. The doctors don't have the information to give clear advice, but can provide information about risks and benefits to help pregnant women make an informed decision.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who took ADHD medications in early pregnancy did not face an increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers conducted a massive sample-based case control study to examine the prevalence of structural defects that were major in infants born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists looked over the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to limit the possibility of bias.

However, the study was not without its flaws. Researchers were unable to, in the first place, to separate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. That limitation makes it difficult to know whether the limited associations observed in the groups that were exposed are due to medication use or comorbidities that cause confusion. The researchers did not examine long-term outcomes for the offspring.

The study did show that infants whose mothers took ADHD medications during pregnancy were at a higher risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants who were born without any medication or had cut back on their medications prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was caused by central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medications used during pregnancy.

Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having an emergency caesarean section or having a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases did not appear to be affected by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the small risks posed by the use of ADHD medications in early pregnancies may be offset by the greater benefits to both mother and baby from continuing treatment for the woman’s disorder. Doctors should discuss with their patients about this and as much as possible, assist them develop coping skills that can lessen the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and her relationships.

Interactions with Medication

More and more doctors are confronted with the dilemma of whether to continue treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are frequently made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors must consider their own expertise, the experience of other physicians and the research that has been conducted on the subject.

The issue of possible risks to the infant can be particularly tricky. Many studies on this subject are based on observational evidence rather than controlled research, and their findings are often contradictory. Furthermore, most studies restrict their analysis to live births, which may undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these issues by looking at data from both live and deceased births.

The conclusion The conclusion: While some studies have shown an association between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, other studies have found no connection, and most studies demonstrate a neutral or slightly negative impact. In each case an in-depth analysis of the benefits and risks is required.

It isn't easy, but 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 cause depression, feelings of loneliness and family conflict for those suffering from the disorder. Furthermore, a loss of medication can interfere with the ability to perform work-related tasks and safely drive that are crucial aspects of daily life for many people with ADHD.

She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to take the medication or stop due to pregnancy, educate their family members, coworkers and their friends about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment plan. Educating them can also aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported as she struggles with her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If a patient decides to not take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the drug may be transferred to her infant.

Birth Defects Risk

As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (does adhd medication work) grows, so do concerns over the impact that these drugs might have on fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge about this subject. Researchers used two huge datasets to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that although the overall risk is low, the first trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher risk of specific heart defects such as ventriculoseptal defect.

The researchers of the study did not discover any link between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies like facial deformities, or club feet. The results are in agreement with previous studies which showed a small, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medication prior to pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter stages of pregnancy when many women began to stop taking their medication.

Women who used ADHD medication in the first trimester of their pregnancy were also more likely to experience caesarean sections, a low Apgar score after delivery and a baby that required breathing assistance during birth. However, the authors of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by restricting the study to women who did not have any other medical issues that could be a contributing factor to these findings.

Researchers hope that their research will help doctors when they see pregnant women. They advise that while discussing risks and benefits is important, the decision to stop or continue medication should be based on the woman's requirements and the severity of her does adhd medication work symptoms.

The authors warn that, while stopping the medication is an option to look into, it is not advised due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental problems among women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medications will have a harder transitioning to life without them once the baby is born.

Nursing

The responsibilities that come with being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to a new routine. Many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The majority of stimulant medicines pass through breast milk in small amounts, therefore the risk for infant who is breastfeeding is low. The rate of exposure to medication will vary based on the dosage, frequency of administration and the time of the day. In addition, various medications are introduced into the baby's system via the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. The impact of these medications on a newborn's health is not completely known.

Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medications during a woman's pregnancy due to the absence of research. It is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the advantages of taking her medication as well as the potential risks to the embryo. Until more information is available, doctors should ask all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and if they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal period.

A increasing number of studies have revealed that women can continue taking their adhd medication options medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This has led to many patients choose to do so and, after consulting with their doctor, they have discovered that the benefits of continuing their current medication exceed any risk.

Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber as well as the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women with adhd Inattentive type medication understand the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also learn about treatment options and build strategies for coping. This should involve an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. Pregnancy counselling should include the discussion of a treatment plan for both mother and child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regimen.