10 Quick Tips On ADHD Medication Pregnancy
10 Quick Tips On ADHD Medication Pregnancy
Blog Article
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or continue ADHD medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding is challenging for women with the condition. There are few data on how exposure to ADHD for a long time could affect the fetus.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus don't develop neurological developmental disorders like hearing loss or impaired vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high quality studies are needed.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who take ADHD medications need to balance the benefits of taking them against potential risks to the fetus. Physicians do not have the data needed to give clear guidelines but they can provide information about risks and benefits that assist pregnant women in making informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication during their early pregnancy did not have a higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large sample-based case control study to compare the incidence of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who used stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts reviewed the cases in order to ensure that the classification was correct and to minimize any bias.
The study of the researchers had some limitations. The researchers were unable in the beginning to differentiate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult to know whether the small differences observed in the groups that were exposed are due to the use of medication or comorbidities that cause confusion. In addition the study did not study the long-term outcomes of offspring.
The study revealed that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU), compared to those whose mothers did not take any medication during pregnancy or had quit taking the medication prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was due to central nervous system-related disorders, and the higher risk of admission was not found to be affected by the type of stimulant medications were 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 a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases didn't appear to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the small risks associated with the use ADHD medications during early pregnancies could be offset by the greater benefits to both mother and baby from continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, where possible, help them develop strategies to improve their coping abilities which can reduce the negative impact of her condition on her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
Doctors are increasingly confronted with the dilemma of whether to keep treatment or stop during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. Most of the time, these decisions are made in the absence of any evidence that is clear and definitive regardless, so doctors must weigh their knowledge, the experiences of other doctors, and what research suggests on the subject and their own judgments for each patient.
Particularly, the subject of potential risks for the baby can be tricky. Many of the studies on this issue are based on observations rather than controlled research and their findings are often contradictory. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which may undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can lead to abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study presented in the journal club addresses these issues, by examining both the data from deceased and live births.
Conclusion Some studies have found a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects, other studies have not found a correlation. The majority of studies show that there is a neutral, or somewhat negative, effect. In each case, a careful analysis of the potential risks and benefits should be conducted.
It can be difficult, if not impossible, for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. In fact, in an article published in Archives of Women's Mental Health, psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can lead to increased depression, feelings of loneliness, and family conflict for these patients. A loss of medication may also impact the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are crucial aspects of daily life for people with ADHD.
She suggests that women who are unsure whether to continue taking medication or stop it due to their pregnancy should educate family members, colleagues, and acquaintances about the condition, its impact on daily functioning and the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen. In addition, educating them can make the woman feel more comfortable when she is struggling with her decision. It is also worth noting that certain medications can pass through the placenta therefore, if a patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware of the possibility that traces of the medication could be transferred to the infant.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use and abuse of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing the concern over the potential effects of these drugs on fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge on this subject. Utilizing two huge data sets researchers were able to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies to determine whether stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk is low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medicines was associated with a slightly higher rate of certain heart defects like ventriculo-septal defects (VSD).
The authors of the study found no link between the use of early medications and congenital abnormalities like facial clefting, or club foot. The results are in agreement with previous studies that have shown the existence of a slight, but significant increase in cardiac malformations for women who began taking ADHD medication before the birth of their child. The risk grew in the later part of pregnancy, when a lot of women decide to stop taking their ADHD medications.
Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean delivery and also have an insufficient Apgar after birth and have a baby who needed help breathing at birth. The authors of the study were not able to eliminate bias due to selection because they restricted the study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope their research will help inform the clinical decisions of physicians who treat pregnant women. The researchers suggest that, while discussing benefits and risks are crucial, the decision regarding whether or not to stop medication should be made in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her requirements.
The authors warn that, while stopping the medication is a possibility to think about, it isn't advised due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental disorders for women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. Further, the research suggests that women who decide to stop taking their medications are more likely to have difficulties getting used to life without them after the birth of their baby.
Nursing
The responsibilities of a new mom can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must deal with their symptoms, attend doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to a new routine. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medications are absorbed through breast milk in low amounts, so the risk for nursing infant is very low. However, the rate of medication exposure to the newborn can vary depending on the dosage, frequency it is administered, and the time of the day it is administered. In addition, different medications enter the baby’s system through the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The impact of these medications on the health of a newborn is not fully understood.
Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult decision for the woman, who must weigh the advantages of her medication against the risk to the foetus. As long as there is no more information, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and whether they are taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal period.
A increasing number of studies have shown that the majority of women are able to safely continue to take their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. As a result, many patients are choosing to do so and, after consulting with their doctor, they have found that the benefits of maintaining their current medication exceed any risk.
It's important for women with ADHD who are contemplating breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber, and the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help women with ADHD understand their symptoms and the root cause Learn about the available treatment options and strengthen existing strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary effort including obstetricians, GPs and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should read more include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, as well as monitoring for indicators of deterioration, and, if needed adjustments to the medication regime.