15 Trends That Are Coming Up About ADHD Medication Pregnancy
15 Trends That Are Coming Up About ADHD Medication Pregnancy
Blog Article
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medications during pregnancy and nursing is challenging for women with the condition. There aren't enough data on how exposure to ADHD for a long time could affect a pregnant fetus.
A study recently 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 that more high-quality studies are needed.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who use ADHD medications need to balance the advantages of using them against the risks to the fetus. Doctors don't have enough data to give clear advice however they can provide information on the risks and benefits to help pregnant women make an informed decision.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during their early pregnancy did not have a greater risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based case control study 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 classification of the cases and to reduce the possibility of bias.
However, the study had its limitations. Most important, they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from those of the underlying disorder. This makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the small differences observed between the groups that were exposed to medication use or affected by the presence of comorbidities. The researchers also did not study the long-term effects for the offspring.
The study did show that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than those who were born without any medication or stopped their medications before or during pregnancy. This increase was due to central nervous system-related disorders, and the increased risk of admission did not appear to be affected by the type of stimulant medications were taken during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having to have a caesarean section or the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases did appear to be independent of the type of medication used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the small risk of using ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages may be offset by the more beneficial outcomes for both mother and baby from continuing treatment for the woman's condition. Doctors should discuss with their patients about this and try to help them improve coping skills which could reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the question of whether to continue or stop treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more physicians face. These decisions are frequently taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors have to weigh their own knowledge, the experience of other doctors and the research on the subject.
Particularly, the issue of potential risks for the infant can be difficult. The research that has been conducted on this topic is based on observations instead of controlled studies and the results are in conflict. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which can underestimate severe teratogenic effects that result in abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these limitations by analyzing both information on deceased and live births.
Conclusion A few studies have revealed an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't shown such a relationship. The majority of studies show that there is a neutral, or slightly negative, effect. Therefore, a careful risk/benefit analysis must be conducted in every situation.
It isn't easy, but not impossible, for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In fact, in an article recently published in the 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. The loss of medication can affect the ability to drive safely and to perform work-related tasks which are vital aspects of everyday life for people with ADHD.
She recommends women who are unsure about whether to continue or stop medication in light of their pregnancy, consider the possibility of educating friends, family members and colleagues on the condition, its effects on daily life, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment plan. Educating them can also make the woman feel more comfortable in her struggle with her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If a patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the medication could be passed on to her infant.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as do concerns about what impact the drugs might have on foetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of information on this topic. Researchers used two massive data sets to study more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine if the use of stimulant medications caused birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medicines was associated with a slightly higher rate of certain heart defects such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).
The authors of the study didn't discover any connection between early medication usage and congenital anomalies such as facial deformities or club feet. The findings are in line with previous studies revealing a small but significant increase in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications before pregnancy. The risk increased in the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women began to stop taking their medication.
Women who took ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean birth, have a low Apgar after birth and had a baby that required breathing assistance at birth. The researchers of the study were unable to remove bias in selection since they limited their study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope their study will serve to inform the clinical decisions of physicians who encounter pregnant women. The researchers recommend that, while discussing risks and benefits are important, the decision on whether to continue or stop medication should be made based on the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.
The authors also caution that even though stopping the medication is an alternative, it is not an option that is recommended due to the high incidence of depression and other mental health problems among women who are pregnant or who are recently postpartum. 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 overwhelming to become a mother. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to manage their symptoms while attending doctor appointments, getting ready for the arrival of a child and getting used to new routines at home are often faced with a number of difficulties. Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The risk to a breastfeeding infant is not too high since the majority of stimulant medications passes through breast milk in low amounts. However, the frequency of exposure to medications by the newborn may differ based on dosage, how often it is administered, and the time of the day the medication is administered. Additionally, different drugs enter the infant's system through the gastrointestinal click here tract or breast milk. The impact on a newborn's health is not fully understood.
Some physicians may discontinue stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult choice for the patient, who must balance the benefits of keeping her medication against the potential dangers to the fetus. As long as more information is available, doctors may ask pregnant patients whether they have any history of ADHD or if they are planning to take medication in the perinatal phase.
A growing number of studies have shown that the majority of women are able to safely continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In response, a rising number of patients are choosing to do so. They have discovered through consultation with their physicians that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh any possible risks.
Women with ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek the advice of an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their physician and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continuing treatment, including non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help women with ADHD recognize their symptoms and underlying disorder, learn about available treatment options and strengthen existing strategies for managing. This should be a multidisciplinary effort including obstetricians, GPs, and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, monitoring of indicators of deterioration, and, if needed adjustments to the medication regime.