Undisputed Proof You Need ADHD Medication Pregnancy
Undisputed Proof You Need ADHD Medication Pregnancy
Blog Article
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or keep ADHD medication during pregnancy and nursing is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these drugs can affect the fetus.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication in utero do not develop neurological developmental disorders like hearing loss or impaired vision seizures, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high-quality research is needed.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who take ADHD medications must weigh the advantages of using them against the risks to the fetus. Physicians don't have the necessary data to provide clear recommendations however they can provide information regarding benefits and risks that can help pregnant women make informed decisions.
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 study of case control to compare the incidence of structural defects that were major in infants who were born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists looked over the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to minimize the possibility of bias.
The study conducted by the researchers was not without limitations. Researchers were unable in the beginning to distinguish the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine if the small associations observed among the exposed groups were due to the use of medications or affected by co-morbidities. The researchers did not study long-term outcomes for the offspring.
The study revealed that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to those whose mothers didn't take any medication during pregnancy or discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an elevated risk of having a caesarean section or having a child with low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did not appear to be affected by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.
The researchers suggest 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 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 impact of her disorder in her daily functioning and her relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the question of whether to continue or stop treatment during pregnancy is one that more and more physicians have to face. These decisions are frequently taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors have to consider their own expertise and experience, as well as the experiences of other doctors, and the research on the subject.
Particularly, the subject of possible risks to the baby can be tricky. The research on this issue is based on observations instead of controlled studies and the results are contradictory. Furthermore, most studies restrict their analysis to live births, which may underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that could lead to abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these limitations, by examining both 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 possibility of certain birth defects, other studies have found no connection and the majority of studies demonstrate a neutral or slight negative effect. Therefore, a careful risk/benefit analysis is required in every case.
For many women with ADHD and ADD, the decision to discontinue medication is difficult if not impossible. In a recent piece 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 interfere with the ability to perform job-related tasks and drive safely, which are important aspects of daily life for a lot of people with ADHD.
She recommends women who are unsure about whether or not to discontinue medication due to their pregnancy consider educating family members, friends and colleagues on the condition, its impact on daily life, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. It can also make the woman feel more comfortable when she is struggling with her decision. Certain medications can be passed through the placenta. If a patient decides to not take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the medication may be transferred to her infant.
Risk of Birth Defects
As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as do concerns over the impact that these medications could have on fetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of information on this topic. With two massive data sets, researchers were able to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that although the risk overall is low, the first trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher risk of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect.
The researchers of the study did not discover any link between early medication usage and other congenital anomalies like facial deformities, or club feet. The findings are in line with previous studies revealing an increase, but not significant, in the risk of cardiac malformations in women who started taking ADHD medications prior to the time of the birth of their child. The risk increased in the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women decided to stop taking their medication.
Women who used ADHD medication in the first trimester of pregnancy were also more likely to have caesarean sections, a low Apgar score after delivery and a baby that required breathing assistance during birth. The authors of the study were not able to remove bias in selection since they restricted the study to women with no other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.
Researchers hope that their study will provide doctors with information when they meet pregnant women. They advise that while discussing the risks and benefits is crucial but the decision to stop or continue medication should be based on the woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors warn that, even though stopping the medication is a possibility to think about, it isn't recommended due to the high rate depression and other mental problems for women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medications will have a difficult time adjusting to a life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
It can be a challenge to become a mom. Women with ADHD can face severe challenges when they must deal with their symptoms, go to doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to a new routine. Therefore, many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the get more info pregnancy.
The risk to a breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk in low amounts. However, the amount of exposure to medication by the newborn can vary depending on dosage, how often it is administered, and the time of the day it is administered. In addition, different medications enter the baby’s system through the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The impact of these medications on a newborn's health is not fully known.
Due to the absence of evidence, some doctors might be tempted to stop taking stimulant drugs during the pregnancy of a woman. This is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the potential risks to the foetus. Until more information becomes available, doctors may ask pregnant patients whether they have any background of ADHD or if they intend to take medication in the perinatal phase.
A increasing number of studies have revealed that most women can safely continue taking their ADHD medication while they are pregnant and nursing. In response, a growing number of patients are opting to do so. They have concluded after consulting with their physicians that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh risk.
Women with ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek the advice of an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their physician and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continuing treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD be aware of the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also learn about treatment options and strengthen coping mechanisms. This should involve an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. The pregnancy counselling should consist of the discussion of a treatment plan for both the mother as well as the child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regimen.