The Ugly Real Truth Of ADHD Medication Pregnancy

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these medications could affect the fetus.

A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication in the uterus don't develop neurological developmental conditions like hearing or vision impairment, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high quality studies are needed.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Pregnant women who take ADHD medications must weigh the benefits of using them against the risks to the fetus. Physicians don't have the data to give clear advice however they can provide information on risks and benefits to help pregnant women make an informed decision.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications during their early pregnancy did not face an increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a massive population-based study of case control to compare the incidence of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists reviewed the cases to ensure correct case classification and to limit the chance of bias.

However, the researchers' study was not without its flaws. The researchers were unable, in the first place to differentiate the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder. That limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the small differences observed in the exposed groups are due to the use of medication or the confounding effect of comorbidities. In addition the researchers did not look at the long-term outcomes of offspring.

adhd medication for adults uk  did reveal 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 had taken off their medication prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system-related disorders, and the increased risk of admission was not found to be influenced by the stimulant medication was used during pregnancy.

Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having caesarean sections or a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases didn't appear to be influenced by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.

The researchers suggest that the risk of a small amount with the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancy may be offset by the greater benefits to both mother and child of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Doctors should discuss with their patients about this issue and, if possible, help 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 are diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the issue of whether or not to stop treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more doctors have to face. Most of the time, these decisions are made in the absence of clear and authoritative evidence either way, so physicians have to weigh their experience about their experiences, the experiences of other doctors, and what research says on the topic, along with their own best judgment for each patient.

Particularly, the issue of potential risks to the baby can be tricky. The research on this subject is based on observations rather than controlled studies, and many of the findings are contradictory. Furthermore, most studies restrict their analysis to live births, which can underestimate severe teratogenic effects that result in abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these limitations by analyzing data on live and deceased births.

The conclusion is that while some studies have shown a positive association between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, other studies have found no connection and the majority of studies demonstrate a neutral or slight negative effect. As a result, a careful risk/benefit assessment must be done in each situation.

For a lot of women with 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 isolation. The loss of medication can affect the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are vital aspects of normal life for people with ADHD.

She suggests women who are unsure about whether or not to stop medication in light of their pregnancy, consider educating family members, friends and colleagues about the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen.  adhd medication online  can also help women feel confident about her decision. It is also worth noting that certain drugs can pass through the placenta, therefore, if a patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware that the effects of the medication could be transferred to the infant.

Birth Defects and Risk of

As the use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows as do concerns about what impact the medications could have on foetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing information on this topic. Researchers utilized two massive data sets to study over 4.3 million pregnant women and determine if stimulant medication use caused birth defects. Researchers found that while the risk overall is low, first-trimester ADHD medication use was associated with slightly higher rates of specific heart defects such as ventriculoseptal defect.

The researchers of the study could not discover any link between early medication usage and other congenital anomalies like facial deformities, or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies that showed the existence of a slight, but significant increase in cardiac malformations for women who started 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 medication.

Women who were taking ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely need a caesarean, have an insufficient Apgar after delivery and have a baby that needed breathing assistance at birth. The authors of the study could not eliminate selection bias because they limited the study to women without other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.

Researchers hope their research will provide doctors with information when they meet pregnant women. The researchers advise that, while discussing the risks and benefits are crucial, the decision about whether to continue or stop medication should be based on the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.

The authors also advise that even though stopping the medication is an alternative, it is not an option that is recommended due to the high rate of depression and other mental health problems in women who are pregnant or recently postpartum. Additionally, the research suggests that women who decide to stop their medications are more likely to experience a difficult time adapting to life without them following the birth of their baby.

Nursing

The responsibilities of a new mother can be overwhelming. Women with ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they have to manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to a new routine. As such, many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.

The risk for breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk at a low level. The rate of exposure to medication will vary based on the dosage, frequency of administration and the time of the day. In addition, different medications enter the baby’s system through the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The impact of these medications on a newborn's health is not fully known.

Due to the absence of research, some doctors may recommend stopping stimulant drugs during the pregnancy of a woman. This is a difficult decision for the patient, who must balance the benefit of continuing her medication with the potential dangers to the fetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors can ask pregnant patients whether they have a history of ADHD or if they intend to take medication in the perinatal stage.

A growing number of studies have shown that women can continue to take their ADHD medication while they are pregnant and nursing. As a result, an increasing number of patients are choosing to do so and in consultation with their physician, they have found that the benefits of keeping their current medication exceed any risk.

It's important for women with ADHD who are considering breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's guidance prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber and discuss the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD recognize the signs and the underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and strengthen strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary approach together with obstetricians, GPs and psychiatry. Counselling for pregnancy should include the discussion of a plan for management for both the mother as well as the child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration and the need for adjustments to the medication regimen.