20 Interesting Quotes About ADHD Medication Pregnancy

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The decision to stop or continue ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding is challenging for women with the condition. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these medications could affect the fetus.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological problems such as hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality studies.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medications need to balance the benefits of taking them against the potential risks to the foetus. Physicians do not have the information needed to make unequivocal recommendations, but they can provide information on benefits and risks that can help pregnant women make informed decisions.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who were taking ADHD medications during their early pregnancy did not have a significantly increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. The researchers used a large population-based study of case-control to determine the prevalence 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 and pediatric cardiologists reviewed the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to limit the possibility of bias.

However,  adhd depression medication  had its limitations. Researchers were unable to, in the first place to differentiate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. That limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the small differences observed in the exposed groups are due to the use of medication or the confounding effect of comorbidities. Additionally, the researchers did not examine the long-term outcomes of offspring.

The study revealed that infants whose mother had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly higher chance of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to mothers who did not use any medication during pregnancy or had stopped taking their medication before or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medications used during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher chance of having to have caesarean sections or a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases appeared to be independent of the type of medication taken during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the minor risk of using ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages could be offset by the greater benefits for baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman's disorder.  adhd without medication  should discuss this with their patients and, where possible, assist them in developing strategies to improve their coping abilities which can reduce the negative impact of her condition on her daily functioning and relationships.

Medication Interactions

Many doctors are faced with the decision of whether to keep treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. Often,  adhd without medication  are taken in the absence of clear and authoritative evidence in either case, which means that doctors must weigh what they know about their experiences, the experiences of other doctors, and what research says on the topic as well as their own best judgment for each patient.

Particularly, the subject of possible risks to the baby can be a challenge. Many of the studies on this topic are based on observational evidence rather than controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. The majority of studies focus on live births, which may underestimate the teratogenic impact leading to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study discussed in this journal club addresses these shortcomings by analyzing data on live and deceased births.

The conclusion: While some studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, others have found no connection, and most studies show a neutral or even slightly negative impact. In each case it is imperative to conduct a thorough study 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 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 patients with ADHD. Additionally, the loss of medication can interfere with the ability to complete work-related tasks and safely drive, which are important aspects of daily life for a lot of people with ADHD.

She suggests that women who are unsure whether to take the medication or discontinue it due to pregnancy should educate family members, colleagues, and friends about the condition, its impact on daily functioning and the benefits of keeping the current treatment plan. It can also help a woman feel supported in her decision. It is important to remember that certain drugs can pass through the placenta so if the patient decides to discontinue her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware of the possibility that traces of the medication could be transferred to the child.

Risk of Birth Defects

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 the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge on this subject. Using two massive data sets researchers were able examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the scientists did find that first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was linked to a slightly higher rate of certain heart defects, such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).

The authors of the study could 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 that have shown an increase, but not significant, in the risk of developing cardiac malformations in women who started taking ADHD medications before the time of pregnancy. The risk grew in the later part of pregnancy, when a lot of women decide to stop taking their medication.

Women who used ADHD medications during the first trimester of pregnancy were also more likely to undergo caesarean sections, a low Apgar score after delivery and a baby that required breathing assistance at 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 conditions that could have contributed to these findings.

Researchers hope their research will provide doctors with information when they see pregnant women. They advise that while a discussion of the benefits and risks is important however, 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, while stopping the medication is an option, it isn't an option to consider due to the high rate of depression and other mental health problems in women who are pregnant or post-partum. Further, the research suggests that women who decide to stop taking their medications are more likely to have difficulties adjusting to life without them after the baby's arrival.

Nursing

The responsibilities of being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to deal with their symptoms while attending physician appointments, making preparations for the arrival of a baby and adjusting to new household routines may face a lot of challenges. As such, many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.

The risk for nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk in low amounts. However, the amount of exposure to medication by the infant can differ based on dosage, frequency it is taken and at what time the medication is administered. In addition, various medications enter the baby’s system through the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The impact on the health of a newborn isn't completely known.

Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the absence of research. This is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the advantages of continuing her medication against the risks to the foetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and whether they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal time.

Numerous studies have proven that women can continue taking their ADHD medication in a safe manner during pregnancy and breast-feeding. As a result, more and more patients opt to do this and, after consulting with their doctor, they have found that the benefits of maintaining their current medication far outweigh any potential risks.

It's important for women with ADHD who are contemplating breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior becoming pregnant. They should discuss the medication they are taking with their physician, and the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women with ADHD be aware of the symptoms and underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and build coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary approach including obstetricians, GPs and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration and, if needed, adjustments to the medication regime.