New And Innovative Concepts Happening With ADHD Medication Pregnancy

New And Innovative Concepts Happening With ADHD Medication Pregnancy

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ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The decision to stop or continue ADHD medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. There are few data on how long-term exposure may affect the pregnant fetus.

A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication in the uterus don't develop neurological developmental disorders like hearing or vision impairment, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality research.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Pregnant women who take ADHD medications need to balance the advantages of using them against the risks to the fetus. Physicians don't have the data to make unambiguous recommendations however they can provide information on the risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making informed decisions.

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

The research conducted by the researchers was not without its limitations. The most important issue was that they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from those of the disorder that is underlying. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the small differences observed between the groups that were exposed to the use of medications or if they were caused by co-morbidities. In addition the study did not study the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.

The study showed that infants whose mother took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to mothers who didn't take any medication during pregnancy, or had quit taking the medication prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy.

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

Researchers suggest that the small risk of using ADHD medications in early pregnancies could be offset by the greater benefits for baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman’s disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this issue and as much as possible, assist them develop coping strategies that can lessen the impact of her disorder in her daily functioning and her relationships.

Medication Interactions

As more women than ever are diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the issue of whether or not to stop treatment during pregnancy is a question that doctors are having to face. Often, these decisions are taken in the absence of solid and reliable evidence regardless, so doctors must weigh their knowledge, the experiences of other doctors, and what research suggests on the subject as well as their best judgment for each individual patient.

The issue of possible risks for infants can be difficult to determine. The research on this issue is based on observations rather than controlled studies, and many of the findings are conflicting. In addition, most studies limit their analysis to live births, which may underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that could cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these shortcomings, by examining both information on deceased and live births.

The conclusion is that while some studies have shown a positive association between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, others have found no connection, and most studies demonstrate a neutral or slightly negative impact. In each case an in-depth evaluation of the risks and benefits should be conducted.

It isn't easy, but not impossible for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. In an article recently published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can lead to increased depression, feelings of isolation and family conflict for those suffering from the disorder. Additionally, the loss of medication may affect the ability to do work-related tasks and safely drive, which are important aspects of daily life for a lot of people with ADHD.

She recommends that women who are unsure about whether to keep or discontinue medication due to their pregnancy should read more consider the possibility of educating friends, family members and colleagues on the condition, its effects on daily life, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. It can also help women feel supported in her decision. It is important to remember that some medications are able to pass through the placenta so if a woman decides to stop taking her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware that the effects of the drug can be passed on to the baby.

Risk of Birth Defects

As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows as do concerns about what impact the drugs might have on the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge on this subject. Researchers used two huge data sets to examine over 4.3 million pregnancy and determine if the use of stimulant medications caused birth defects. Although the risk overall remains low, the scientists found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medications was linked to an increased risk of certain heart defects such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).

The authors of the study didn't find any association between early use of medication and congenital anomalies like facial deformities or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies revealing an increase, but not significant, in the risk of heart malformations in women who started taking ADHD medications prior to the time of pregnancy. The risk was higher during the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women decide to stop taking their ADHD medication.

Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean delivery or have a low Apgar after delivery, and have a baby that needed help breathing after birth. However, the authors of the study were not able to eliminate selection bias by limiting the study to women who did not have other medical issues that could have contributed to the findings.

The researchers hope their research will aid in the clinical decisions of physicians who encounter pregnant women. The researchers advise that while discussing risks and benefits are important, the choice about whether to continue or stop medication should be 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 think about, it isn't recommended due to the high rate depression and other mental problems for women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medications will have a harder transitioning to life without them after the baby is born.

Nursing

It can be a challenge to become a mother. Women who suffer from ADHD who must work through their symptoms while attending physician appointments and making preparations for the arrival of a baby and adjusting to new household routines can experience severe challenges. Therefore, many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout pregnancy.

The majority of stimulant drugs are absorbed through breast milk in low amounts, so the risk to the infant who is breastfeeding is low. The rate of medication exposure will differ based on dosage and frequency of administration as well as the time of day. Additionally, individual medications enter the infant's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk, and the effect of this on a newborn is not fully known.

Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the absence of research. It's a difficult choice for the mother, who must weigh the benefits of taking her medication as well as the risks to the foetus. Until more information becomes available, GPs can ask pregnant patients if they have a history of ADHD or if they are planning to take medication in the perinatal phase.

Many studies have shown that women can continue to take their ADHD medication without risk during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. This has led to many patients are choosing to do so and, in consultation with their doctor they have discovered that the benefits of maintaining their current medication far exceed any risk.

It's important for women with ADHD who are considering breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss the medication they are taking with their physician as well as the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant people with ADHD be aware of their symptoms and the root cause Learn about the available treatment options and strengthen existing coping strategies. This should be a multidisciplinary process together with obstetricians, GPs, and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, monitoring of indicators of deterioration, and, if necessary modifications to the medication regime.