What NOT To Do Within The ADHD Medication Pregnancy Industry
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women suffering from ADHD face a difficult decision on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is a lack of information about how long-term exposure to these medications may affect the fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological issues like 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 must weigh the advantages of taking them against the potential risks to the fetus. Doctors don't have enough data to provide clear recommendations but they can provide information on the risks and benefits to help pregnant women make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at greater risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. The researchers used a large population-based study of case-control to determine the prevalence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who had taken stimulants during early pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts examined the cases to make sure that the classification was accurate and to reduce any bias.
However, the study was not without its flaws. The researchers were not able to, in the first place to distinguish the effects of the medication from the disorder. That limitation makes it difficult to know whether the limited associations observed in the groups that were exposed are due to the use of medication or confounding by comorbidities. Additionally the researchers did not look at the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.
The study revealed that infants whose mother had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly higher chance of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to mothers who did not take any medication during pregnancy or quit taking the medication prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medication that was used during pregnancy.
Women who used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an elevated risk of having a caesarean birth or having a child with low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases appear to be independent of the type of medication taken during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the small risks associated with the use ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages may be offset by the greater benefits for baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman’s disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this and as much as possible, assist them develop coping strategies that can lessen the impact of her disorder in her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
Doctors are increasingly faced with the decision of whether to keep 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 take into account their own experience, the experience of other doctors, and the research on the subject.
In particular, the issue of potential risks for the baby can be tricky. The research on this issue is based on observation rather than controlled studies and many of the findings are in conflict. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which may underestimate severe teratogenic effects that lead to abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these shortcomings by examining data on both live and deceased births.
The conclusion The conclusion: While some studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, others have not found any evidence of a link and the majority of studies demonstrate a neutral or slightly negative effect. In every case it is imperative to conduct a thorough analysis of the benefits and risks must be performed.
It can be challenging, if not impossible, for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. In a recent piece published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can cause depression and feelings of isolation. Furthermore, a loss of medication may affect the ability to perform jobs and drive safely, which are important aspects of daily life for many people suffering from ADHD.
She suggests women who are unsure about whether to keep or stop medication in light of their pregnancy consider the possibility of educating friends, family members and colleagues about the condition, its impact on daily life, and the advantages of continuing the current treatment regimen. It can also help a woman feel confident about her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If a woman decides not to take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the medication could be passed on to her infant.
Risk of Birth Defects
As the use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows there are concerns about the effects that the drugs might have 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 look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers found that while the risk overall is low, the first trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher rates of specific heart defects such as ventriculoseptal defect.
The researchers behind the study found no association between early use of medication and congenital abnormalities such as facial clefting or club foot. The results are in line with previous studies that have shown the presence of a small, but significant increase in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medications prior to the time of the birth of their child. adhd in adults medication grew in the later part of pregnancy, as many women decide to stop taking their medication.
Women who used ADHD medication in the first trimester of their pregnancy were also more likely to have a caesarean section, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who needed breathing assistance during birth. However the researchers of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by limiting the study to women who didn't have any other medical conditions that could be a contributing factor to these findings.
The researchers hope their study will aid in the clinical decisions of physicians who treat pregnant women. They recommend that, while the discussion of the benefits and risks is important however, the decision to stop or maintain medication must be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors also advise that, while stopping the medication is an alternative, it is not an option to consider due to the high rate of depression and other mental health problems in women who are pregnant or recently post-partum. Further, the research suggests that women who choose to stop taking their medications are more likely to have difficulties adapting to life without them after the baby's arrival.
Nursing
It can be overwhelming to become a mom. Women who suffer 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 child and adjust to a new routine. This is why many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.
The risk to a breastfeeding infant is not too high since the majority of stimulant medications passes through breast milk at a low level. However, the frequency of exposure to medications by the infant can differ based on the dosage, frequency it is administered, and the time of day it is administered. Additionally, different medications are introduced into the baby's system via the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The impact of these medications on the health of a newborn is not completely comprehended.
Due to the absence of research, some doctors may recommend stopping stimulant medications during a woman's pregnancy. It's a difficult choice for the mother, who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the risk to the foetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors can ask pregnant patients if they have an background of ADHD or if they intend to take medication in the perinatal period.
Numerous studies have proven that women can continue taking their ADHD medication in a safe manner during pregnancy and breast-feeding. In response, an increasing number of patients are choosing to continue their medication. They have concluded through consultation with their doctor that the benefits of retaining their current medication outweigh risk.
It is essential for women with ADHD who are contemplating breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior becoming pregnant. They should discuss the medication they are taking with their physician as well as the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women with ADHD understand the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also learn about treatment options and reinforce strategies for coping. This should involve an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, and monitoring for indicators of deterioration, and, if necessary adjustments to the medication regime.