20 Trailblazers Are Leading The Way In ADHD Medication Pregnancy
20 Trailblazers Are Leading The Way In ADHD Medication Pregnancy
Blog Article
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women suffering from ADHD must make a difficult decision on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these medications can affect the foetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus do not develop neurological conditions like impaired vision or hearing, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality studies.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and take ADHD medication need to consider the benefits of taking it against the potential dangers for the fetus. Doctors don't have the necessary data to give clear guidelines, but they can provide information regarding risks and benefits that help pregnant women make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during early pregnancy were not at a greater risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a massive sample-based case control study to examine the prevalence of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts reviewed the cases in order to make sure that the classification was correct and to eliminate any bias.
However, the researchers' study was not without its flaws. Researchers were unable to, in the first place to distinguish the effects of the medication from the disorder. That limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the small associations observed in the groups that were exposed are due to the use of medication or comorbidities that cause confusion. The researchers did not look at long-term outcomes for the offspring.
The study did show that babies whose mothers had taken ADHD medications during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants who whose mothers did not take any medication or had taken off their medication prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medications used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having caesarean sections or a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases appear to be independent of the type of medication used during pregnancy.
The researchers suggest that the low risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancy could be offset by the higher benefit to both mother and child from continued treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should talk to their patients about this and, if possible, help them develop coping skills that can lessen the effects of her disorder on 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, the experience of other doctors, and the research on the subject.
The issue of possible risks to the infant can be difficult to determine. The research on this subject is based on observations instead of controlled studies and the results are in conflict. The majority of studies focus on live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that can lead to abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these limitations by examining data on both live and deceased births.
The conclusion is that while some studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, others have not found any evidence of a link, and most studies demonstrate a neutral or slight negative effect. In the end an accurate risk-benefit analysis must be done in each situation.
It can be challenging, if not impossible, for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. 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 lead to depression and feelings of being isolated. Additionally, the loss of medication can affect the ability to do jobs and drive safely, which are important aspects of daily life for a lot of people with ADHD.
She suggests that women who are unsure whether to continue taking the medication or stop due to pregnancy educate family members, colleagues, and their friends about the condition, its impact on daily functioning and the benefits of keeping the current treatment. In addition, educating them can aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported when she is struggling with her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If a woman decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the medication could be transferred to the baby.
Risk of Birth Defects
As the use and use of ADHD medication to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing, so does concern about the potential adverse effects of the drugs on foetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge regarding this issue. Researchers used two massive datasets to analyze over 4.3 million pregnant women and click here determine if the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the risk overall is low, first-trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher risk of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect.
The researchers behind the study found no association between early use of medication and other congenital abnormalities, like facial clefting, or club foot. The results are in line with previous studies which showed a small, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medication prior to the time of the time of pregnancy. This risk increased in the later part of pregnancy, when many women are forced to stop taking their medication.
Women who took ADHD medications during the first trimester of pregnancy were also more likely to undergo caesarean sections, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who needed help breathing at birth. However the authors of the study were not able to eliminate bias due to selection by limiting the study to women who did not have any other medical issues that could be a contributing factor to these findings.
Researchers hope their research will inform physicians when they encounter pregnant women. They recommend that, while discussing risks and benefits is important, the decision to stop or maintain treatment must be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors warn that, even though stopping the medication is an option to think about, it isn't recommended due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental disorders among women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medication will have a harder time adjusting to a life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
The responsibilities that come with being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women suffering from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must manage their symptoms, go to doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a baby and adjust to a new routine. As such, many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout pregnancy.
The risk to a breastfeeding infant is not too high since the majority of stimulant medication is absorbed through breast milk at low levels. The rate of exposure to medication can vary depending upon the dosage and frequency of administration as well as the time of the day. Additionally, different medications are introduced into the baby's system via the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The impact of these medications on a newborn's health is not fully understood.
Because of the lack of evidence, some doctors may be inclined to discontinue stimulant drugs during the pregnancy of a woman. This is a difficult decision for the woman, who must weigh the benefits of taking her medication as well as the risks to the embryo. As long as more information is available, doctors may ask pregnant patients if they have any background of ADHD or if they are planning to take medication during the perinatal phase.
A growing number of studies have proven that most women can safely continue to take their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This has led to many patients opt to do this and, in consultation with their physician, they have found that the benefits of maintaining their current medication far exceed any risk.
It is crucial for women suffering from ADHD who are contemplating breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber as well as the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD be aware of their symptoms and underlying disorder, learn about available treatments and to reinforce existing coping strategies. This should be a multidisciplinary process including obstetricians, GPs, and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if necessary adjustments to the medication regime.