15 Latest Trends And Trends In ADHD Medication Pregnancy
15 Latest Trends And Trends In ADHD Medication Pregnancy
Blog Article
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women suffering from ADHD have to make a difficult choice on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There are few data on how long-term exposure may affect a foetus.
A recent study 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 that more high-quality studies are required.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who take ADHD medications must weigh the advantages of taking them against potential risks to the foetus. The doctors don't have the information to make unambiguous recommendations however they can provide information on the risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make an informed decision.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications in early pregnancy did not have a significantly higher risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. The researchers used a large population-based study of case-control to evaluate the incidence of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who had taken stimulants in the early stages of pregnancy, and those who did not. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts examined the cases to confirm that the classification was correct and to reduce any bias.
However, the study was not without its flaws. Researchers were unable, in the first place to distinguish the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult to know whether the small associations observed in the groups that were exposed are due to medication use or the confounding effect of comorbidities. Researchers also did not examine the long-term effects for the offspring.
The study found that infants whose mother took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a higher chance of being admitted 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 increased risk of admission did not appear to be influenced by which stimulant medication was used during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an increased risk of having a caesarean birth or having a baby with a low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases appear to be unrelated to the type of medication used during pregnancy.
The research suggests 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 benefits to both mother and child of continued treatment for the woman's condition. Doctors should discuss with their patients about this issue and try to help them improve coping skills which could reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily life 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. Most of the time, these decisions are made without any evidence that is clear and definitive either way, so physicians must weigh what they know from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and what the research says on the topic and their best judgment for each individual patient.
Particularly, the issue of possible risks to the infant can be difficult. Many of the studies on this issue are based on observational evidence instead of controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. The majority of studies restrict their analysis to live births, which can underestimate the teratogenic impact leading to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these shortcomings by examining data on both live and deceased births.
The conclusion is that while some studies have found a positive association between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, others have not found any evidence of a link and the majority of studies have a neutral or slightly negative effect. In the end, a careful risk/benefit analysis must be conducted in every case.
It can be challenging, if not impossible, for women suffering from 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 cause depression and feelings of being isolated. Furthermore, a loss of medication can affect the ability to complete jobs and drive safely, which are important aspects of daily life for a lot of people with ADHD.
She suggests that women who are not sure whether to continue taking medication or stop due to pregnancy educate family members, colleagues, and friends about the condition, its impact on daily functioning and the benefits of keeping the current treatment. In addition, educating them can make the woman feel more comfortable as she struggles with her decision. It is also worth noting that some medications can be absorbed through the placenta so if a woman decides to stop taking her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware of the possibility that traces of the drug can be transferred to the infant.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use and abuse of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), increases the concern over the possible effects of the drugs on foetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body knowledge on this issue. With two massive data sets, researchers were able to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall remains low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medications was linked to a slightly higher rate of certain heart defects such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).
The researchers behind the study found no association between early use of medication and other congenital abnormalities, such as facial clefting or club foot. The results are in the same vein as previous studies that showed an insignificant, but small increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medication prior to the birth of their child. The risk was higher in the latter half of pregnancy, as many women begin to discontinue their ADHD medication.
Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely to need a caesarean or have a low Apgar after delivery and have a baby that needed breathing assistance at birth. However, the authors of the study were not able to eliminate selection bias by restricting the study to women who didn't have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to these findings.
The researchers hope their study will aid in the clinical decisions of physicians who treat pregnant women. They advise that while discussing the risks and benefits is crucial however, the decision to stop or maintain medication must be based on each woman's requirements and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors also warn that, while stopping the medication is an option, it is not an option more info that is recommended due to the high incidence of depression and other mental health issues among women who are pregnant or post-partum. Furthermore, research suggests that women who choose to stop taking their medications are more likely to experience a difficult time adjusting to life without them following the baby's arrival.
Nursing
It can be a challenge becoming a mother. Women who suffer from ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a baby and adjust to a new routine. This is why many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout the course of pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medicines are absorbed by breast milk in low amounts, therefore the risk to nursing infant is very low. However, the amount of exposure to medications by the infant can differ based on dosage, frequency it is administered, and at what time the medication is administered. In addition, different medications enter the baby’s system through the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. The effect on the health of a newborn is not fully known.
Because of the lack of evidence, some doctors may be inclined to discontinue stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy. It's a difficult choice for the woman, who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the risks to the foetus. 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 time.
A growing number of studies have shown that women can continue their ADHD medication while they are pregnant and nursing. In response, a growing number of patients are choosing to continue their medication. They have concluded through consultation with their physicians, that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh risk.
It's important for women with ADHD who are considering breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's guidance prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss the medication they are taking with their physician as well as the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women with ADHD be aware of the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and reinforce the coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary process together with obstetricians, GPs and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration and, if needed adjustments to the medication regime.