ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The decision to stop or continue ADHD medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. There are few data regarding how exposure over time may affect the foetus.

A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during utero do not develop neurological disorders such as impaired vision or hearing, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality studies.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Pregnant women who use ADHD medications need to balance the advantages of using them against the risks to the foetus. Physicians don't have the data to provide clear recommendations, but can provide information on the risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making informed choices.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during early pregnancy did not have a higher risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a massive population-based case control study to assess the frequency of major structural defects in infants born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts examined the cases to ensure that the classification was accurate and to minimize any bias.

The study of the researchers was not without its limitations. Researchers were unable, in the first place to differentiate the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult for researchers to establish whether the small differences observed between the groups exposed were due to the use of medications or if they were affected by comorbidities. Additionally the study did not study the long-term outcomes of offspring.

The study found that infants whose mother took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU), compared to those whose mothers did not use 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 influenced by which stimulant medications were used during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having a caesarean section or the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases didn't seem 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 the early stages of pregnancy could be offset by the greater benefit to both the mother and child of continued treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, where they are able, assist them in developing strategies to improve their coping abilities that can lessen the negative impact of her condition on her daily functioning and relationships.

Medication Interactions

Many doctors are confronted with the dilemma of whether to maintain treatment or stop during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are frequently made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors have to weigh their own knowledge in conjunction with the experiences of other doctors, and the research that has been conducted on the subject.

The issue of potential risks to infants is extremely difficult. The research on this issue is based on observation rather than controlled studies and a lot of the results are contradictory. Most studies limit their analysis to live births, which may underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects leading to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these issues by analyzing the data from deceased and live births.

Conclusion A few studies have found a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't found a correlation. Most studies have shown an unintended, or slight negative effect. Therefore, a careful risk/benefit assessment must be done in each case.

It can be difficult, if not impossible for women with 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 lead to depression and feelings of loneliness. In addition, a decrease in medication can affect the ability to complete jobs and drive safely that are crucial aspects of a normal life for a lot of people with ADHD.

She suggests that women who are unsure about whether to keep or discontinue medication due to their pregnancy consider informing family members, friends and colleagues on the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and on the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. It can a general Physician prescribe adhd medication (http://promarket.in.ua/user/crocuscable3) also aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported when she is struggling with her decision. It is also worth noting that some medications are able to be absorbed through the placenta so if the patient decides to discontinue her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware that traces of the best medication for adhd could be transferred to the child.

Risk of Birth Defects

As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (get adhd medication online) grows, so do concerns over the impact that these drugs might have on fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge on this issue. With two massive data sets researchers were able look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk is low, the researchers did find that first-trimester exposure to ADHD medicines was associated with an increase in the risk of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).

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 line 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 the time of pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women decided to stop taking their medication.

Women who took ADHD medications in the first trimester of pregnancy were also more likely to undergo caesarean section, low Apgar score after delivery and a baby who required breathing assistance at birth. The researchers of the study could not remove bias in selection since they limited the study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.

The researchers hope that their research will aid in the clinical decisions of physicians who treat pregnant women. The researchers suggest that, while discussing the risks and benefits are crucial, the decision regarding whether or not to stop medication should be in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.

The authors warn that, even though stopping the medication is an option to consider, it is not recommended due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental problems among women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Additionally, research suggests that women who stop taking their medication will have a harder adjustment to life without them after the baby is born.

Nursing

The responsibilities of a new mother can be overwhelming. Women suffering from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a baby and adjust to a new routine. Many women choose to continue taking their adhd medication without prescribing medication during pregnancy.

The risk to breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk at a low level. However, the rate of medication exposure to the newborn may differ based on dosage, frequency it is administered and the time of the day the medication is administered. In addition, different drugs enter the infant's system via the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The impact of these medications on a newborn's health is not completely known.

Due to the absence of evidence, some doctors may be inclined to discontinue stimulant medication during the course of pregnancy. This is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the advantages of her medication against the risks to the embryo. As long as more information is available, doctors may inquire about pregnant patients whether they have any background of ADHD or if they intend to take medication in the perinatal stage.

A increasing number of studies have shown that most women can safely continue their ADHD medication while they are pregnant and nursing. This has led to an increasing number of patients choose to do so and, in consultation with their doctor they have found that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh any risks.

It is crucial for women suffering from ADHD who are considering breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor and discuss the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help pregnant people with ADHD be aware of their symptoms and the underlying disorder and learn about treatments and to reinforce existing coping strategies. This should include a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP, obstetricians and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, monitoring of signs of deterioration, and, if necessary adjustments to the medication regimen.