ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women with ADHD have to make a difficult choice regarding whether or not to stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these medications could affect the fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during utero do not develop neurological developmental disorders like impaired vision or hearing seizures, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high quality studies are required.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication need to weigh the benefits of taking it versus the dangers for the fetus. The doctors don't have the information to provide clear recommendations, but can provide information about risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make an informed decision.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications during early pregnancy did not have an increased risk of fetal heart malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large population-based study of case control to examine the prevalence of major structural defects in infants born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists examined the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to minimize the chance of bias.
However, the researchers' study had its limitations. Most important, they were not able to differentiate the effects of the medication from the disorder at hand. This makes it difficult for researchers to establish whether the small differences observed between the groups that were exposed to medication use or confounded by comorbidities. In addition the researchers did not study long-term offspring outcomes.
The study revealed that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to those whose mothers did not use any medication during pregnancy or discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medications used during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an increased risk of having a caesarean birth or having a baby born with a low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did appear to be independent of the type of medication taken during pregnancy.
The research suggests that the low risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy could be offset by the greater benefit for both mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this issue and, if possible, help them develop coping skills that could reduce the impact of her disorder in her daily functioning and her relationships.
Medication Interactions
More and more doctors are confronted with the dilemma of whether to continue treatment or stop it during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are frequently made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors have to take into account their own experience in conjunction with the experiences of other doctors and the research on the topic.
The issue of possible risks to infants is particularly tricky. A lot of studies on this topic are based on observations rather than controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. The majority of studies focus on live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects which can cause abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these issues, by examining both the data from deceased and live births.
The conclusion The conclusion: While some studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, others have not found any evidence of a link, and most studies demonstrate a neutral or slight negative effect. As a result, a careful risk/benefit assessment must be done in each instance.
For many women with ADHD who suffer from ADHD, the decision to stop taking medication is difficult if not impossible. In an article recently published in Archives of Women's Mental Health, psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can increase depression, feelings of isolation, and family conflict for these patients. A decrease in medication could affect the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are crucial aspects of normal life for those with ADHD.
She recommends women who are uncertain about whether to keep or discontinue medication due to their pregnancy consider informing family members, friends and colleagues about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of continuing the current treatment regimen. Educating them can also aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported in her struggle with her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If a woman decides not to take her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the drug could be passed on to her baby.
Risk of Birth Defects
As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases there are concerns about the effects that the drugs could have on foetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge regarding this topic. Researchers used two massive datasets to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancy and determine whether stimulant medications increased birth defects. While the overall risk is low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medications was linked to a slightly higher rate of certain heart defects such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).
The researchers of the study did not find any association between early use of medication and other congenital anomalies, such as facial deformities or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies that showed the existence of a slight, but significant increase in cardiac malformations for women who started taking ADHD medication prior to the time of pregnancy. This risk increased in the later part of pregnancy, as many women begin to discontinue their ADHD medications.
Women who used 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 required breathing assistance at birth. However the researchers of the study were unable to eliminate bias due to selection by limiting the study to women who didn't have any other medical conditions that could be a contributing factor to these findings.
Researchers hope their research will provide doctors with information when they encounter pregnant women. The researchers advise that, while discussing risks and benefits are important, the decision on whether to continue or stop medication should be made in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and the needs of the woman.
The authors warn that, while stopping the medication is a possibility to look into, it is not recommended due to the high prevalence of depression and mental health issues among women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Additionally, research suggests that women who stop taking their medication will have a difficult time adjusting to a life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
It can be a challenge to become a mom. Women who suffer from ADHD can face severe challenges when they must deal with their symptoms, go to doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to a new routine. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The risk to breastfeeding infant is not too high since the majority of stimulant medications passes through breast milk at low levels. The rate of medication exposure will vary based on the dosage and frequency of administration as well as the time of day. In addition, various medications are introduced into the baby's system via the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The effect on the health of a newborn is not fully understood.
Due to the absence of evidence, some doctors might be tempted to stop taking stimulant drugs during the course of pregnancy. It's a difficult choice for the woman who must weigh the advantages of taking her medication as well as the risk to the embryo. In the meantime, until more information is available, GPs may ask pregnant patients whether they have any background of ADHD or if they intend to take medication in the perinatal period.
Many studies have shown that women can continue taking their ADHD medication in a safe manner while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. In response, a rising number of patients are opting to continue their medication. They have found, in consultation with their physicians, that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh risk.
It is essential for women with ADHD who are thinking of breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior to becoming pregnant. just click the following article should review their medications with their prescriber and discuss the pros and cons of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. medication for adhd is also required to help women with ADHD be aware of their symptoms and underlying disorder Learn about the available treatments and to reinforce existing coping strategies. This should be a multidisciplinary approach together with obstetricians, GPs and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, monitoring of signs of deterioration, and, if needed, adjustments to the medication regime.