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ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these medications may affect the fetus. A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological disorders such as impaired hearing or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality research. Risk/Benefit Analysis Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medications must weigh the benefits of using them against the risks to the fetus. Doctors don't have the data needed to give clear guidelines but they can provide information about the risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making informed decisions. A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who took ADHD medications during their early pregnancy did not face an higher risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers conducted a massive population-based case control study to assess the frequency of structural defects that were major in infants born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists reviewed the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to limit the chance of bias. The study conducted by the researchers was not without limitations. The researchers were unable in the beginning to distinguish the effects of the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the small differences observed between the exposed groups were due to the use of medication, or if they were affected by the presence of comorbidities. Additionally the researchers did not study the long-term outcomes of offspring. The study did find that babies whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a more risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than those who were born without any medication or had stopped their medications before or during pregnancy. This was due to 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 were also at an increased chance of having a caesarean birth or having a baby with low Apgar score (less than 7). simply click the following internet site did not seem to be influenced by the type of medication that was 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 benefit to both mother and child from continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should speak with their patients about this issue and, if possible, help them develop coping strategies that can lessen the impact of her disorder in her daily functioning and her relationships. Medication Interactions More and more doctors are faced with the decision of whether to keep treatment or stop it during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are often made without clear and reliable evidence. Instead, physicians must consider their own expertise in conjunction with the experiences of other doctors and the research on the subject. In particular, the issue of possible risks to the infant can be difficult. The research that has been conducted on this topic is based on observations rather than controlled studies and many of the findings are in conflict. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which can underestimate severe teratogenic effects that lead to abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these limitations by examining data on both live and deceased births. Conclusion Some studies have found an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects However, other studies haven't found a correlation. Most studies have shown that there is a neutral, or somewhat negative, effect. In all cases, a careful study of the risks and benefits must be performed. It can be difficult, if not impossible, for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In a recent article in Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can increase depression and feelings of loneliness. The loss of medication can affect the ability to safely drive and complete work-related tasks, which are essential aspects of everyday life for those with ADHD. simply click the following internet site suggests women who are unsure about whether or not to stop taking medication because of their pregnancy, consider the possibility of educating friends, family members and colleagues about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and on the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. Educating them can also aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported in her struggle with her decision. It is important to note that some medications are able to pass through the placenta, so if the patient decides to stop her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware of the possibility that traces of the medication could be transferred to the child. Birth Defects Risk As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases there are concerns about what impact the drugs could have on the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge regarding this issue. Researchers used two huge data sets to study over 4.3 million pregnant women and determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the researchers discovered that the first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was linked to an increased risk of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD). The authors of the study found no link between early use of medication and other congenital abnormalities, such as facial clefting or club foot. The results are in line with previous studies which showed an insignificant, but small increase in cardiac malformations for women who started taking ADHD medication before the birth of their child. This risk increased in the latter half of pregnancy, when a lot of women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medication. Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely need a caesarean or have a low Apgar after delivery and had a baby that required breathing assistance at birth. However, the authors of the study were not able to eliminate selection bias by restricting the study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could be a contributing factor to these findings. Researchers hope their research will inform physicians when they see pregnant women. The researchers advise that, while discussing the risks and benefits are crucial, the decision about whether to continue or stop medication should be made according to the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her requirements. The authors caution that, although stopping the medication is an option to consider, it is not recommended because of the high incidence of depression and other mental problems among women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. Further, the research suggests that women who decide to stop their medications are more likely to have difficulties adjusting to life without them following the baby's arrival. Nursing It can be overwhelming to become a mom. Women with ADHD who have to deal with their symptoms while attending physician appointments as well as getting ready for the arrival of their child and adjusting to new household routines may face a lot of challenges. Many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy. The risk to breastfeeding infant is not too high since the majority of stimulant medications passes through breast milk at low levels. However, the amount of exposure to medication by the newborn can vary depending on dosage, how often it is administered, and at what time the medication is administered. Additionally, individual medications enter the baby's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk. The impact of this on a newborn infant is not fully understood. Some physicians may discontinue stimulant medications during a woman's pregnancy due to the absence of research. It is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the advantages of continuing her medication against the potential risks to the fetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, GPs may inquire about pregnant patients if they have an history of ADHD or if they plan to take medication in the perinatal period. Numerous studies have proven that women can continue taking their ADHD medication without risk during pregnancy and breast-feeding. In the end, more and more patients choose to do so and, in consultation with their physician, they have discovered that the benefits of keeping their current medication far outweigh any risks. It is essential for women with ADHD who are thinking of breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior to becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their physician and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation should also be provided to help women with ADHD understand their symptoms and the underlying disorder, learn about available treatment options and strengthen existing strategies for managing. This should include a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. adult add medications should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, and monitoring for indicators of deterioration, and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regimen.