20 Inspirational Quotes About ADHD Medication Pregnancy
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or keep ADHD medications during pregnancy and nursing is challenging for women with the condition. There aren't many studies on how exposure to ADHD for a long time could affect a foetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication in utero do not develop neurological disorders such as hearing or vision impairment seizures, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that further high-quality studies are needed.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medications must weigh the advantages of taking them against the potential risks to the foetus. Physicians do not have the necessary data to give clear guidelines but they can provide information regarding the risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making informed decisions.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at a higher risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large population-based case-control study to assess the risk of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who had taken stimulants in early pregnancy and those who had not. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts looked over the counter adhd medication the cases to ensure that the classification was correct and to reduce any bias.
The study of the researchers was not without its limitations. Most important, they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from the disorder that is underlying. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine if the small associations observed among the groups exposed were due to the use of medication or if they were affected by comorbidities. Researchers also did not study long-term outcomes for the offspring.
The study found that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to mothers who didn't take any medication during pregnancy or stopped taking their medication for adhd and bipolar before or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medications used during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an elevated chance of having a caesarean delivery or having a baby with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did not seem to be influenced by the kind of medication used 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 greater benefits for both mother and child of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Doctors should discuss with their patients about this issue and as much as possible, assist them develop coping strategies that can lessen the effects of her disorder on her daily life and 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 more and more doctors have to face. Often, these decisions are taken in the absence of clear and authoritative evidence in either case, which means that doctors must weigh their knowledge about their experiences, the experiences of other doctors, and what the research suggests on the subject as well as their best judgment for each individual patient.
The issue of possible risks for infants can be extremely difficult. A lot of studies on this topic are based on observational evidence instead of controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. Furthermore, most common adhd medications studies restrict their analysis to live births, which may underestimate severe teratogenic effects that result in abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these issues by examining data on both live and deceased births.
The conclusion The conclusion: While some studies have found an association between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, others have found no such relationship and the majority of studies have a neutral or slightly negative effect. In each case an in-depth analysis of the risks and benefits is required.
It can be difficult, if not impossible for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In a recent article 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 being isolated. In addition, a decrease in medication may affect the ability to perform job-related tasks and drive safely which are essential aspects of daily life for a lot of people with ADHD.
She recommends that women who are unsure about whether to keep or discontinue medication due to their pregnancy should consider educating family members, friends and colleagues on the condition, its impact on daily life, and the advantages of continuing the current treatment regimen. In addition, educating them can aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported in her struggle with her decision. Certain medications can be passed through the placenta. If the patient decides to not take her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the medication may be transferred to her infant.
Birth Defects Risk
As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as do concerns about the effects that the medications could have on foetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing knowledge on this subject. With two massive data sets researchers were able analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall remains low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medicines was associated with an increased risk of specific heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).
The researchers of the study did not discover any link between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies, like facial deformities, or club feet. The findings are in line with previous studies that have shown a small but significant increase in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications before pregnancy. This risk increased in the later part of pregnancy, when many women decide to stop taking their ADHD medications.
Women who were taking ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely need a caesarean, have an insufficient Apgar after delivery and had a baby that required help breathing after birth. However, the authors of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by restricting the study to women who didn't have other medical issues that could be a contributing factor to these findings.
The researchers hope their research will aid in the clinical decisions of physicians who see pregnant women. The researchers suggest that, while discussing risks and benefits are crucial, the decision about whether to continue or stop taking medication should be according to the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.
The authors also warn that even though Stopping Adhd Medication Adults the medication is an option, it is not an option to consider due to the high incidence of depression and other mental health problems among women who are pregnant or who are recently postpartum. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medication will have a tough transitioning to life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
The responsibilities of being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to manage their symptoms while attending doctor appointments and getting ready for the arrival of a child and getting used to new routines at home may face a lot of challenges. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The risk to a breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medication is absorbed through breast milk in low amounts. The amount of exposure to medications can vary depending upon the dosage the medication is administered, its frequency and the time of the day. Additionally, individual medications enter the infant's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn is not well understood.
Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medications during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a complicated decision for the patient, who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the potential risks to the fetus. As long as more information is available, doctors can ask pregnant patients whether they have any background of ADHD or if they plan to take medication in the perinatal phase.
A increasing number of studies have revealed that the majority of women are able to safely continue taking their ADHD medication while they are pregnant and nursing. This has led to more and more patients are choosing to do so and, in consultation with their physician, they have discovered that the benefits of maintaining their current medication far outweigh any risks.
Women with ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek the advice of a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their doctor and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continuing treatment, including non amphetamine adhd medication-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women with ADHD be aware of the symptoms and underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and reinforce coping mechanisms. This should include a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, monitoring of signs of deterioration and, if needed adjustments to the medication regime.