There Is No Doubt That You Require ADHD Medication Pregnancy
There Is No Doubt That You Require ADHD Medication Pregnancy
Blog Article
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women with ADHD face a difficult decision regarding whether or not to stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There aren't many studies on how exposure to ADHD for a long time could affect a fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological disorders like hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality studies.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who take ADHD medications need to balance the advantages of taking them against the potential risks to the fetus. Physicians don't have the necessary data to make unequivocal recommendations however they can provide information regarding the risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making informed decisions.
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 population-based study of case control to examine the prevalence of structural defects that were major in infants born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists reviewed the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to limit the chance of bias.
The research conducted by the researchers had some limitations. Researchers were unable to, in the first place, to separate the effects of the medication from the disorder. That limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the small differences observed in the groups that were exposed result from medication use or comorbidities that cause confusion. Additionally the study did not study the long-term outcomes of offspring.
The study did reveal that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at slightly 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. 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 medication during pregnancy were also at an elevated risk of having a caesarean section or having a child with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases appear to be unrelated to the type of medication taken during pregnancy.
The research suggests that the small risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy may be offset by the greater benefits to both mother and child of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this and try to help them develop coping skills that can lessen the impact of her disorder in her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
Many doctors are faced with the decision of whether to maintain treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are often taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, physicians must consider their own expertise and experience, as well as the experiences of other doctors, and the research on the subject.
The issue of possible risks to infants is extremely difficult. A lot of studies on this issue are based on observational evidence rather than controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. Furthermore, most studies restrict their analysis to live births, which can undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can result in abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study discussed in the journal club addresses these shortcomings by analyzing the data from deceased and live births.
The conclusion is that while certain studies have demonstrated an association between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, other studies have not found any evidence of a link, and most studies have a neutral or slightly negative effect. Therefore, a careful risk/benefit analysis must be conducted in every instance.
For women suffering from ADHD who suffer from ADHD, the decision to discontinue medication is difficult if not impossible. In a recent article in the Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can increase depression and feelings of being isolated. The loss of medication can also affect the ability to safely drive and perform work-related tasks, which are vital aspects of daily life for those with ADHD.
She suggests check here that women who are not sure whether to continue taking medication or stop it due to their pregnancy should educate family members, coworkers and their friends about the condition, the impact on daily functioning and the benefits of continuing the current treatment regimen. Educating them can also help the woman feel supported in her struggle with her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If a patient decides to not take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the medication could be passed on to her baby.
Risk of Birth Defects
As the use and misuse of ADHD medications to treat the symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), increases, so does concern about the possible effects of the drugs on fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body knowledge on this topic. Researchers used two huge data sets to study more than 4.3 million pregnant women and determine whether 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 a slightly higher rate of specific heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).
The researchers of the study did not discover any connection between the use of early medications and congenital anomalies like facial deformities, or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies that have shown the presence of a small, but significant increase in the risk of developing cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medications prior to the time of the time of pregnancy. This risk increased in the latter half of pregnancy, when many women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medications.
Women who were taking ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean delivery, have an insufficient Apgar after birth and had a baby that required breathing assistance at birth. However the authors of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by limiting the study to women who didn't have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to these findings.
The researchers hope their research will aid in the clinical decisions of doctors who encounter pregnant women. The researchers recommend that, while discussing benefits and risks are crucial, the decision regarding whether or not to stop taking medication should be according to the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.
The authors warn that, while stopping the medication is an option to look into, it is not recommended due to the high rate depression and other mental problems in women who are expecting or have recently given birth. Further, the research suggests that women who decide to stop taking their medication are more likely to have difficulties adjusting to life without them after the baby's arrival.
Nursing
The responsibilities that come with being a new mother can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must deal with their symptoms, go to doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to new routines. Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The risk for breastfeeding infant is not too high since the majority of stimulant medication is absorbed through breast milk at low levels. The rate of medication exposure will vary based on the dosage and frequency of administration as well as time of day. In addition, various medications enter the baby’s system via the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. The impact on a newborn's health is not completely comprehended.
Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medications during a woman's pregnancy due to the absence of research. It's a difficult choice for the woman who must weigh the benefits of taking her medication as well as the risks to the foetus. As long as more information is available, doctors may inquire about pregnant patients if they have a background of ADHD or if they plan to take medication during the perinatal stage.
A growing number of studies have proven that the majority of women are able to safely continue their ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In response, a rising number of patients are choosing to do so. They have found, in consultation with their doctors, that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh any possible risks.
It is essential for women with ADHD who are thinking of breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber as well as the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD recognize the signs and underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and build strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary approach with the GP, obstetricians and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, and monitoring for indicators of deterioration, and, if necessary adjustments to the medication regimen.