10 Things You Learned In Preschool To Help You Get A Handle On ADHD Medication Pregnancy ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women suffering from ADHD must make a difficult decision about whether to continue or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these drugs could affect the fetus.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication in the uterus don't develop neurological developmental disorders such as hearing or vision impairment, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality studies.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medication must weigh the benefits of taking it versus the dangers for the fetus. Doctors don't have the data needed to give clear guidelines however they can provide information about the risks and benefits to assist pregnant women in making informed decisions.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications during early pregnancy did not face a significantly higher risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based study of case control to compare the incidence of structural defects that were major in infants born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts looked over the cases to make sure that the classification was correct and to reduce any bias.

However, the study had its limitations. Researchers were unable, in the first place to differentiate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the limited associations observed in the exposed groups result from medication use or the confounding effect of comorbidities. The researchers also did not look at long-term outcomes for the offspring.

The study did find that infants whose mothers took ADHD medications during pregnancy were at a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants who were born without any medication or had taken off their medication prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system-related disorders and the increased risk for admission was not found to be influenced by the stimulant medication was used during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an increased risk of having a caesarean section or having a baby with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did appear to be independent of the type of medication used during pregnancy.

The researchers suggest that the small 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 discuss the issue with their patients and, if they are able, assist them in developing strategies to improve their coping abilities which can reduce the negative impact of her condition on her daily life and relationships.

Medication Interactions

As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the question of whether to keep or end treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more physicians confront. These decisions are often made without clear and reliable evidence. Instead, doctors must weigh their own knowledge and experience, as well as the experiences of other physicians and the research on the subject.

In particular, the issue of potential risks to the baby can be tricky. Many studies on this subject are based on observations instead of controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. The majority of studies focus on live-births, which could underestimate the teratogenic impact leading to abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study discussed in this journal club addresses these limitations by analyzing data on live and deceased births.

The conclusion is that while some studies have found a positive association between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, others have found no connection and the majority of studies show a neutral or even slightly negative effect. In each case an in-depth study of the risks and benefits should be conducted.

For a lot of women with ADHD, the decision to discontinue medication is difficult, if not impossible. In fact, in an article recently published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health, psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can increase depression, feelings of isolation, and family conflict for these patients. A decrease in medication could affect the ability to drive safely and perform work-related tasks, which are essential aspects of everyday life for those with ADHD.

She recommends women who are uncertain about whether or not to stop taking medication because of their pregnancy should consider the possibility of educating friends, family members and colleagues on the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and on the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. In addition, educating them can aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported as she struggles with her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If the patient decides to not take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the drug may be transferred to her infant.


Risk of Birth Defects

As the use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases there are concerns about the effects that the drugs could have on fetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge on this subject. Researchers utilized two massive datasets to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnant women and determine if the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the overall risk is low, the first trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher risk of specific heart defects like ventriculoseptal defect.

The authors of the study found no link between early medication use and congenital abnormalities like facial clefting, or club foot. The results are in the same vein as 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 the birth of their child. The risk grew in the later part of pregnancy, as many women begin to discontinue their medication.

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

Researchers hope that their study will inform physicians when they meet pregnant women. The researchers suggest that, while discussing benefits and risks are important, the choice on whether to continue or stop medication should be in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and the needs of the woman.

The authors also caution that even though stopping the medication is an alternative, it is not an option to consider due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental health issues in women who are pregnant or post-partum. Research has also shown that women who stop taking their medications will have a harder adjustment to life without them once the baby is born.

Nursing

It can be a stressful experience to become a mother. Women with ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must deal with their symptoms, attend doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to new routines. Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The risk to a breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk at low levels. However, the frequency of medication exposure to the infant can differ based on dosage, how often it is taken and the time of day it is administered. Additionally, different medications enter the body of the baby differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk, and the effect of this on a newborn isn't well understood.

Because of the lack of research, some doctors might be tempted to stop taking stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy. This is a complicated decision for the patient, who must balance the benefits of keeping her medication against the potential risks to the fetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors should inquire with all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and if they are planning or taking to take medication during the perinatal period.

A increasing number of studies have shown that women can continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In how to treat adhd without medication in adults , a rising number of patients are choosing to do so. They have found after consulting with their doctor that the benefits of retaining their current medication far outweigh any potential risks.

Women with ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. most effective adhd medication for adults should discuss their medication with their prescriber, and the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD understand their symptoms and the underlying disorder Learn about the available treatments and to reinforce existing strategies for managing. This should involve an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counselling should include discussion of a management plan for both the mother as well as the child, monitoring for signs of deterioration and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regimen.