Undeniable Proof That You Need ADHD Medication Pregnancy
Undeniable Proof That You Need ADHD Medication Pregnancy
Blog Article
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these medications can affect the foetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological problems such as impaired hearing or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who use ADHD medications must weigh the benefits of taking them against the potential risks to the fetus. Doctors don't have the data needed to give clear guidelines, but they can provide information regarding the risks and benefits to help pregnant women make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large population-based study of case control to examine the prevalence of major structural defects in infants born to mothers who used stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists looked over the cases to ensure correct classification of the cases and to reduce the possibility of bias.
The study conducted by the researchers had some limitations. Researchers were unable in the beginning to differentiate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult for researchers to establish whether the small differences observed between the exposed groups were due to medication use, or if they were caused by co-morbidities. The researchers did not study long-term outcomes for the offspring.
The study showed that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU), compared to those whose mothers did not take any medication during pregnancy, or had discontinued taking their 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 taken during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having an emergency caesarean section or having a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases appeared to be unrelated to the type of medication taken during pregnancy.
The research suggests that the low risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy may be offset by the higher benefit to both mother and child from continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this and try to help them develop coping skills that may reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and her relationships.
Interactions with Medication
As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the question of whether to continue or stop treatment during pregnancy is one that doctors are having to have to face. These decisions are frequently made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, physicians must consider their own expertise, the experience of other physicians and the research on the topic.
The issue of risk to infants is difficult to determine. The research on this issue is based on observations rather than controlled studies and the results are 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 that is discussed in this journal club addresses these issues by analyzing data on live and deceased births.
The conclusion The conclusion: While certain studies have demonstrated that there is a positive correlation between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, other studies have found no such relationship, and most studies show a neutral or even slightly negative impact. In the end, a careful risk/benefit analysis is required in every case.
It isn't easy, but not impossible for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In an article published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can cause depression, feelings of loneliness and family conflict for patients with ADHD. Additionally, the loss of medication can interfere with the ability to do jobs and drive safely that are crucial aspects of a normal life for a lot of people with ADHD.
She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to take the medication or stop due to pregnancy educate family members, coworkers, and friends about the condition, the effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of continuing the current treatment regimen. It can also help a woman feel confident about her decision. It is important to remember 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 that the effects of the drug could be passed on to the baby.
Birth Defects Risk
As the use and use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing, so does concern about the potential adverse effects of the drugs on the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge on this issue. Researchers used two huge data sets to examine over 4.3 million pregnancy and determine if stimulant medication use caused birth defects. Although the risk overall is low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medications was linked to an increased risk of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).
The authors of the study didn't discover any link between early medication usage and other congenital anomalies like facial deformities or club feet. The results are in the same vein as previous studies which showed an insignificant, but small increase in cardiac malformations for women who began taking ADHD medication before the time of pregnancy. The risk was higher in the later part of pregnancy, when many women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medication.
Women who took ADHD medications in the first trimester of pregnancy were also more likely to undergo a caesarean section, a low Apgar score after delivery and a baby that required breathing assistance at birth. The researchers of the study were not able to eliminate bias due to selection because they limited their study to women with no other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope that their research will serve to inform the clinical decisions of physicians who see pregnant women. They suggest that although a discussion of the risks and benefits is crucial, the decision to stop or maintain medication should be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors also caution that even though stopping the medication is an option, it isn't an option to consider due to the high rate of depression and other mental health problems among women who are pregnant or postpartum. Further, the research suggests that women who decide to stop their medications are more likely to experience difficulties adjusting to life without them following the baby's arrival.
Nursing
It can be a stressful experience to become a mom. Women who suffer from ADHD who must work through their symptoms while attending doctor appointments and preparing for the arrival of a baby and adjusting to new household routines are often faced with a number of difficulties. Many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant drugs are absorbed through breast milk in very small amounts, so the risk to infant who is breastfeeding is low. However, the rate of exposure to medication by the newborn can vary depending on dosage, how often it is taken and at what time the medication is administered. In addition, various drugs enter the infant's system via the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. The effect on the health of a newborn more info isn't completely known.
Because of the lack of research, some physicians might be tempted to stop taking stimulant medication during the course of pregnancy. It is a difficult decision for the woman, who must weigh the benefits of taking her medication as well as the risks to the fetus. As long as there is no more information, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and whether they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal period.
Many studies have shown that women can continue taking their ADHD medication in a safe manner during pregnancy and breast-feeding. In the end, more and more patients opt to do this and in consultation with their doctor they have discovered that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh any risks.
It is crucial for women suffering from ADHD who are contemplating breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber as well as the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD understand the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and build the coping mechanisms. This should include an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. Pregnancy counseling should include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, monitoring of signs of deterioration and, if needed modifications to the medication regime.