How To Beat Your Boss ADHD Medication Pregnancy

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women suffering from ADHD face a difficult decision on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these medications could affect the fetus.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus do not develop neurological developmental conditions like hearing loss or impaired vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high quality studies are required.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medication should weigh the benefits of taking it versus the dangers for the foetus. Physicians do not have the information needed to make unequivocal recommendations however they can provide information about the risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making informed choices.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at a greater risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers used a vast, population-based case-control study to assess the risk of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who had taken stimulants in the early stages of pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts looked over the cases Where to get prescribed adhd medication make sure that the classification was correct and to minimize any bias.

The study conducted by the researchers was not without its limitations. In particular, they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from those of the disorder that is underlying. This makes it difficult to determine whether the small differences observed in the exposed groups result from medication use or comorbidities that cause confusion. The researchers also did not look at long-term outcomes for offspring.

The study showed that infants whose mother had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy had a higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU), compared to those whose mothers did not take any medication during pregnancy, or had stopped taking their medication before or during pregnancy. This increase was due to central nervous system disorders, and the increased risk of admission did not appear to be influenced by the stimulant medication was used during pregnancy.

Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having to have an emergency caesarean section or having the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases appeared to be unrelated to the type of medication taken during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the small risk of using ADHD medications in early pregnancies can be offset by greater benefits to both baby and mother of 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 life and relationships.

Medication Interactions

More and more doctors are confronted with the dilemma of whether to keep treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are often made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, physicians must weigh their own knowledge, the experience of other doctors, and the research on the topic.

The issue of risk to infants is particularly tricky. The research that has been conducted on this topic is based on observations instead of controlled studies and many of the findings are contradictory. Most studies focus on live births, which can underestimate the teratogenic impact which can cause abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study discussed in this journal club addresses these issues by examining data on both live and deceased births.

Conclusion Some studies have shown a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't shown such a relationship. The majority of studies show a neutral, or even slightly negative, effect. In every case an in-depth analysis of the risks and benefits is required.

For many women with ADHD who suffer from ADHD, the decision to stop medication is difficult, if not impossible. In fact, in an article recently published in Archives of Women's Mental Health, psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can lead to increased depression, feelings of isolation and family conflict for patients with ADHD. A loss of medication may affect the ability to safely drive and perform work-related tasks, which are essential aspects of everyday life for those suffering from ADHD.

She suggests that women who are unsure about whether to continue or stop medication in light of their pregnancy consider educating family members, friends and colleagues on the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment plan. Educating them can also make the woman feel more comfortable as she struggles with her decision. It is important to remember that some drugs can be absorbed through the placenta so if the patient decides to discontinue her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware that traces of the medication could be transferred to the child.

Birth Defects Risk

As the use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows, so do concerns over the impact that these drugs could have on foetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge about this subject. Utilizing two huge data sets, researchers were able to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies to determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk is low, the researchers did find that first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was associated with a slightly higher rate of certain heart defects such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).

The researchers behind the study found no connection between early medication use and other congenital anomalies, 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 the number of cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medication prior to pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medications.

Women who used ADHD medication in the first trimester of pregnancy were also more likely to experience caesarean sections, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who required help breathing at birth. The authors of the study could not eliminate selection bias because they limited their study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that might have contributed to the findings.

The researchers hope that their research will serve to inform the clinical decisions of doctors who encounter pregnant women. The researchers recommend that, while discussing risks and benefits are crucial, the decision on whether to continue or stop taking medication should be in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her requirements.

The authors also warn that even though stopping the medication is an alternative, it is not a recommended practice because of the high incidence of depression and other mental health issues for women who are expecting or post-partum. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medications will have a difficult adjustment to life without them once the baby is born.

Nursing

The responsibilities that come with being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to manage their symptoms while attending physician appointments, getting ready for the arrival of a baby and adapting to new routines in the home are often faced with a number of difficulties. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The risk for nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medication is absorbed through breast milk in low amounts. However, the rate of exposure to medications by the infant can a general practitioner prescribe adhd medication differ based on the dosage, frequency it is administered, and at what time the medication is administered. In addition, different medications enter the baby’s system via the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The effect on a newborn's health is not fully comprehended.

Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the absence of research. It's a difficult choice for the woman, who must weigh the advantages of her medication against the risks to the foetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors should ask all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and whether they are adhd meds covered by ohip taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal period.

A increasing number of studies have proven that most women can safely continue their ADHD medication while they are pregnant and nursing. As a result, an increasing number of patients are choosing to do so, and in consultation with their physician, they have found that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh any risks.

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 medication treatment for adhd-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women with ADHD be aware of the symptoms and underlying disorder. They should also learn about treatment options and build the coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary approach together with obstetricians, GPs and psychiatrists. Counselling for pregnancy should include the discussion of a plan for management for both the mother as well as the child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regimen.