15 Current Trends To Watch For ADHD Medication Pregnancy

15 Current Trends To Watch For ADHD Medication Pregnancy

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ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

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

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

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medications must weigh the advantages of using them against the risks to the foetus. Doctors don't have the necessary data to give clear guidelines but they can provide information regarding the risks and benefits to help pregnant women make informed choices.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication in early pregnancy were not at a higher risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large population-based study of case-control to assess the risk of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who took stimulants during early pregnancy, and those who did not. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists looked over the cases to ensure correct classification of the cases and to reduce the possibility of bias.

However, the study was not without its flaws. Researchers were unable in the beginning to differentiate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. That limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the small associations observed in the exposed groups are due to medication use or comorbidities that cause confusion. Researchers also did not look at the long-term effects for the offspring.

The study showed that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a higher chance of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to those whose mothers did not use any medication during pregnancy, or had discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system-related disorders and the higher risk of admission did not appear to be affected by the type of stimulant medication was used during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having to have caesarean sections or the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases did not seem to be influenced by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the small risks associated with the use ADHD medications during early pregnancies may be offset by the greater benefits for mother and baby from continuing treatment for the woman’s disorder. Doctors should discuss with their patients about this and as much as possible, assist them improve coping skills which may reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and her relationships.

Medication Interactions

More and more doctors are faced with the decision of whether to continue treatment or stop during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are usually made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, physicians must weigh their own knowledge, the experience of other physicians and the research on the topic.

Particularly, the subject of potential risks to the infant can be difficult. The research that has been conducted on this topic is based on observations rather than controlled studies, and many of the findings are contradictory. Most studies focus on live-births, which could underestimate the teratogenic impact leading to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these limitations by analyzing data on live and deceased births.

The conclusion: While certain studies have demonstrated a positive association between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, others have found no connection and the majority of studies have a neutral or slightly negative effect. In the end, a careful risk/benefit assessment is required in every instance.

For many women with ADHD, the decision to stop taking medication is difficult if not impossible. 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 get more info cause depression and feelings of being isolated. In addition, a decrease in medication can affect the ability to do work-related tasks and safely drive that are crucial aspects of a normal life for many people suffering from ADHD.

She suggests women who are unsure about whether or not to stop taking medication because of their pregnancy, consider informing family members, friends, and coworkers on the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment plan. In addition, educating them can make the woman feel more comfortable in her struggle with her decision. It is important to note that certain drugs can pass through the placenta so if a woman decides to discontinue her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware that the effects of the drug can be transferred to the infant.

Birth Defects and Risk of

As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases there are concerns about the effects that the medications could have on foetuses. 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 study over 4.3 million pregnancy and determine if stimulant medication use caused birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the overall risk is low, the first trimester ADHD medication use was associated with slightly higher rates of specific heart defects like ventriculoseptal defects.

The researchers of the study found no link between early use of medication and congenital abnormalities such as facial clefting or club foot. The results are in agreement with previous studies that showed the existence of a slight, but significant increase in cardiac malformations for women who began taking ADHD medication prior to pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter half of pregnancy when many women decided to stop taking their medication.

Women who were taking ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean delivery and also have a low Apgar after delivery and have a baby that needed breathing assistance when they were born. However the authors of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by restricting the study to women who didn't have any other medical issues that could be a contributing factor to these findings.

Researchers hope that their study will provide doctors with information when they meet pregnant women. The researchers suggest that, while discussing risks and benefits are important, the decision regarding whether or not to stop taking 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 an option to look into, it is not advised due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental disorders among women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth. Additionally, research suggests that women who stop taking their medications will have a tough time adjusting to a life without them once the baby is born.

Nursing

The responsibilities of a new mom can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to deal with their symptoms while attending physician appointments and making preparations for the arrival of a child and adapting to new routines in the home can experience severe challenges. Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The majority of stimulant drugs are absorbed through breast milk in low amounts, therefore the risk to the nursing infant is very low. The rate of medication exposure will vary based on the dosage and frequency of administration as well as the time of the day. In addition, different medications enter the baby’s system via the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The impact on the health of a newborn isn't completely comprehended.

Because of the lack of evidence, some doctors may recommend stopping stimulant medication during the pregnancy of a woman. This is a complicated decision for the patient, who must weigh the benefits of keeping her medication against the possible risks to the foetus. Until more information becomes available, GPs may ask pregnant patients if they have a history of ADHD or if they plan to take medication in the perinatal period.

A growing number of studies have revealed that women can continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In response, an increasing number of patients are choosing to do so. They have found through consultation with their doctor that the benefits of keeping their current medication far outweigh any potential risks.

Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss the medication they are taking with their physician and discuss the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD understand their symptoms and the root cause and learn about treatments and to reinforce existing strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary process including obstetricians, GPs and psychiatrists. Counselling for pregnancy should include the discussion of a plan for management for both mother and child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration and when necessary, making adjustments to the medication regimen.