The 10 Most Terrifying Things About ADHD Medication Pregnancy
The 10 Most Terrifying Things About ADHD Medication Pregnancy
Blog Article
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medications during breastfeeding and pregnancy is challenging for women with the condition. There are few data on how exposure to ADHD for a long time could affect a fetus.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus don't develop neurological 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 should consider the benefits of taking it against the possible risks for the foetus. Physicians don't have the data to give clear advice however they can provide information about risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making an informed decision.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who were taking ADHD medications during early pregnancy did not face a significantly increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers used a large population-based case control study to compare the incidence of major structural defects in infants born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts looked over the cases to make sure that the classification was accurate and to minimize any bias.
The study conducted by the researchers was not without limitations. Most important, they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from the disorder that is underlying. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine if the small differences observed between the exposed groups were due to medication use or if they were caused by comorbidities. In addition the study did not look at the long-term outcomes of offspring.
The study did find that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medications during pregnancy were at a higher risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than those who were born without any medication or had cut back on their medications prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medication that was used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having to have an emergency caesarean section or having the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These risks did not appear to be affected by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the small risks posed by the use of ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages can be offset by greater benefits to both 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 improve coping skills which can lessen the impact of her disorder in her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the issue of whether to keep or end treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more physicians face. These decisions are often taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, physicians must take into account their own experience and experience, as well as the experiences of other doctors and the research that has been conducted on the subject.
The issue of potential risks to the infant can be particularly tricky. Many studies on this subject 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 which can cause abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these shortcomings by examining data on both live and deceased births.
Conclusion A few studies have revealed a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects, other studies have not established a link. The majority of studies show a neutral, or even slight negative impact. Therefore, a careful risk/benefit analysis is required in every case.
It can be challenging, if not impossible for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. In a recent article published in Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can cause depression and feelings of isolation. Furthermore, a loss of medication may affect the ability to perform work-related tasks and safely drive which are essential aspects of a normal life for many people suffering from ADHD.
She suggests that women who are unsure about whether to keep or stop medication in light of their pregnancy should consider the possibility of educating friends, family members and colleagues on the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen. It can also help women feel more confident in her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If a patient decides not to take her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the drug could be transferred to the baby.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as do concerns about the effects that the drugs might have on foetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of information on this topic. Using two massive data sets, researchers were able to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the risk overall is low, the first trimester ADHD exposure to medication was associated with slightly higher rates of specific heart defects such as ventriculoseptal defect.
The researchers of the study could not find any association between early medication usage and congenital anomalies like facial deformities, or club feet. The results are consistent with previous studies that have shown an increase, but not significant, in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications prior to the time of the birth of their child. The risk grew in the later part of pregnancy, as many women decide to stop taking their ADHD medications.
Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean birth, have an insufficient Apgar after delivery, and have a baby who needed breathing assistance read more at birth. The researchers of the study could not eliminate bias due to selection because they limited the study to women with no other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope their study will help inform the clinical decisions of doctors who encounter pregnant women. They advise that while a discussion of risks and benefits is important however, the decision to stop or continue medication should be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors caution that, even though stopping the medication is a possibility to think about, it isn't recommended because of the high incidence of depression and other mental disorders among women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. Research has also shown that women who stop taking their medication will have a tough adjustment to life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
It can be overwhelming to become a mom. Women who suffer from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they have to manage their symptoms, go to doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to new routines. Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medicines are absorbed by breast milk in very small quantities, so the risk to breastfeeding infant is minimal. The rate of medication exposure can vary depending upon the dosage the medication is administered, its frequency and the time of day. Additionally, individual medications enter the body of the baby differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn isn't well understood.
Some physicians may discontinue stimulant medications during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult decision for the patient, who must balance the benefits of keeping her medication against the possible dangers to the fetus. As long as more information is available, GPs may ask pregnant patients if they have a history of ADHD or if they intend to take medication during the perinatal stage.
A increasing number of studies have shown that the majority of women are able to safely continue to take their ADHD medication while they are pregnant and nursing. In the end, more and more patients choose to do so and, after consulting with their doctor, they have discovered that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh any potential risks.
It is crucial for women suffering from ADHD who are contemplating breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their physician and discuss the pros and cons of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation should also be provided to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD be aware of their symptoms and underlying disorder and learn about treatment options and strengthen existing coping strategies. This should involve a multidisciplinary approach with the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, monitoring of signs of deterioration, and, if necessary adjustments to the medication regime.