shapecap68

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Women with ADHD must make a difficult decision about whether to continue or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There aren't enough data regarding how exposure over time may affect the pregnant fetus. A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus don't develop neurological developmental disorders such as impaired vision or hearing seizures, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research. Risk/Benefit Analysis Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medications need to balance the advantages of taking them against the potential risks to the fetus. Physicians don't have the data needed to make unequivocal recommendations however they can provide information on risks and benefits that help pregnant women make 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 used a vast population-based study of case-control to determine the prevalence of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who had taken stimulants in early pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts reviewed the cases in order to ensure that the classification was correct and to eliminate any bias. The study of the researchers had some limitations. In particular, they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from the underlying disorder. This limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the limited associations observed in the groups that were exposed are due to the use of medication or comorbidities that cause confusion. The researchers also did not examine long-term outcomes for offspring. The study revealed that babies whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU), compared to mothers who did not take any medication during pregnancy or had stopped taking their medication before or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not affected 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 baby born with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases appeared to be independent of 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 benefit for both mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, if possible, help them develop strategies to improve coping skills which can reduce the impact of her disorder on her daily life and relationships. Interactions with Medication As more women than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the dilemma of whether to keep or stop treatment during pregnancy is one that more and more doctors face. These decisions are frequently taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors must take into account their own experience and experience, as well as the experiences of other doctors and the research that has been conducted on the subject. The issue of potential risks to the infant can be extremely difficult. The research on this issue is based on observations rather than controlled studies, and many of the findings are contradictory. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which may undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can result in abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these shortcomings by analyzing data on live and deceased births. Conclusion A few studies have shown a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't found a correlation. The majority of studies show a neutral, or even slight negative impact. In every case it is imperative to conduct a thorough evaluation of the potential risks and benefits must be performed. It can be difficult, if not impossible for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. In an article recently published in Archives of Women's Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can cause depression, feelings of isolation, and family conflict for those suffering from the disorder. In addition, a decrease in medication can interfere with the ability to do job-related tasks and drive safely that are crucial aspects of daily life for a lot of people with ADHD. She recommends that women who are unsure about whether or not to stop taking medication because of their pregnancy should consider educating family members, friends and colleagues on the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. It can also help a woman feel supported in her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If a patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the medication could be transferred to the infant. Birth Defects and Risk of As the use and abuse of ADHD medication to treat symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), increases as does the concern about the possible effects of the drugs on the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge regarding this issue. Utilizing two huge data sets researchers were able look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. adult adhd treatments discovered that, while the overall risk is low, first-trimester ADHD medication use was associated with slightly higher risk of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect. The authors of the study didn't find any association between early medication usage and other congenital anomalies, such as facial deformities or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies showing the presence of a small, but significant increase in the risk of developing cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications prior to the time of pregnancy. The risk grew in the latter half of pregnancy, when many women decide to stop taking their ADHD medication. Women who took ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean birth, have a low 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 limiting the study to women who didn't have other medical issues that could have contributed to the findings. The researchers hope their research will aid in the clinical decisions of physicians who treat pregnant women. They suggest that although a discussion of the risks and benefits is crucial, the decision to stop or continue medication should be based on the woman's requirements and the severity of her ADHD symptoms. The authors also advise that while discontinuing the medications is an option, it is not a recommended practice because of the high incidence of depression and other mental health issues in women who are pregnant or post-partum. Additionally, the research suggests that women who choose to stop taking their medication are more likely to have a difficult time adapting to life without them after the baby's arrival. Nursing It can be a challenge to become a mother. Women who suffer from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to a new routine. Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy. The risk for breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medications is absorbed through breast milk in low amounts. The rate of exposure to medication can vary depending upon the dosage and frequency of administration as well as time of day. Additionally, individual medications enter the baby's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk, and the effect of this on a newborn infant is not well known. Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the lack of research. It's a difficult choice for the mother, who must weigh the benefits of her medication against the risks to the embryo. In the meantime, until more information is available, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and if they are taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal period. A growing number of studies have shown that the majority of women are able to safely continue their ADHD medication while they are pregnant and nursing. This has led to many patients choose to do so and, in consultation with their physician, they have discovered that the benefits of keeping their current medication far exceed any risk. on front page who suffer from ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber as well as the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation should also be provided to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD understand their symptoms and underlying disorder and learn about treatment options and strengthen existing coping strategies. This should be an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP, obstetricians and psychiatry. The pregnancy counselling should consist of discussion of a management plan for both mother and child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration, and when necessary, making adjustments to the medication regimen.