20 Myths About ADHD Medication Pregnancy: Dispelled
20 Myths About ADHD Medication Pregnancy: Dispelled
Blog Article
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medication during breastfeeding and pregnancy is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these medications can affect the fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication in the uterus don't develop neurological developmental conditions like hearing loss or impaired vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality studies.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and take ADHD medication need to evaluate the benefits of using it against the possible risks to the baby. Physicians do not have the necessary data to give clear guidelines, but they can provide information on risks and benefits that aid pregnant women in making informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during early pregnancy were not at a higher risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large population-based study of case control to assess the frequency of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts reviewed the cases in order to ensure that the classification was accurate and to eliminate any bias.
The study of the researchers was not without limitations. Researchers were unable, in the first place, to separate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the small associations observed among the exposed groups were due to the use of medications, or if they were caused by comorbidities. Researchers also did not look at long-term outcomes for offspring.
The study revealed that infants whose mother had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy had a higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to those whose mothers did not take any medication during pregnancy or discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication that was used during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an increased chance of having a caesarean birth 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 research suggests that the small risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancy may be offset by the greater benefits to both the mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should talk to their patients about this and as much as possible, assist them develop coping strategies that can lessen the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the issue of whether to keep or end treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more physicians confront. The majority of these decisions are taken in the absence of solid and reliable evidence in either case, which means that doctors must weigh their knowledge about their experiences, the experiences of other doctors, and what the research suggests on the subject, along with their own judgments for each individual patient.
Particularly, the issue of potential risks to the baby can be a challenge. Many studies on this subject are based on observational evidence rather than controlled research and their findings are often contradictory. In addition, most studies limit their analysis to live births, which may underestimate severe teratogenic effects that cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these shortcomings by looking at data from here both live and deceased births.
Conclusion: While some 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 that there is a neutral, or somewhat negative, effect. As a result, a careful risk/benefit analysis must be done in each case.
It can be challenging, if not impossible for women with 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 increase depression and feelings of being isolated. A decrease in medication could affect the ability to safely drive and complete work-related tasks, which are vital aspects of normal life for people with ADHD.
She suggests that women who are unsure whether to continue taking the medication or stop due to pregnancy educate family members, coworkers and their friends about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of continuing the current treatment regimen. It will also help a woman feel more confident in her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If a woman decides not to take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is crucial to be aware that the medication could be transferred to the infant.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows as do concerns about what impact the drugs could have on fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge on this subject. Utilizing two huge data sets researchers were able to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies to determine whether the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers found that while the overall risk is low, the first trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher rates of certain heart defects, like ventriculoseptal defects.
The authors of the study found no connection between early use of medication and other congenital anomalies, such as facial clefting or club foot. The findings are in line with previous studies showing a small but significant increase in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications before pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women stopped taking their medication.
Women who were taking ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean delivery or have an insufficient Apgar after delivery and have a baby who needed help breathing when they were born. However, the authors of the study were not able to eliminate selection bias by limiting the study to women who did not have any other medical issues that could be a contributing factor to these findings.
The researchers hope that their research will aid in the clinical decisions of physicians who see pregnant women. They recommend that, while a discussion of risks and benefits is important, the decision to stop or continue treatment must be based on each woman's requirements and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors warn that, although stopping the medication is a possibility to look into, it is not recommended because of the high incidence of depression and other mental problems for women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth. Further, the research suggests that women who choose to stop their medications are more likely to experience a difficult time adjusting to life without them following the birth of their baby.
Nursing
It can be overwhelming to become a mom. Women with ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they have to manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to a new routine. This is why many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant drugs are absorbed through breast milk in small amounts, therefore the risk to the nursing infant is very low. The rate of medication exposure can vary depending upon the dosage and frequency of administration as well as the time of day. Additionally, different drugs enter the infant's system via the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The impact of these medications on the health of a newborn is not completely known.
Because of the lack of research, some doctors may recommend stopping stimulant drugs during a woman's pregnancy. It's a difficult choice for the woman, who must weigh the benefits of taking her medication as well as the risks to the embryo. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors may ask pregnant patients if they have a history of ADHD or if they plan to take medication in the perinatal stage.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue taking their ADHD medication safely while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. In response, an increasing number of patients are opting to do this. They have found, in consultation with their doctor, that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh any risk.
Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek the advice of an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their physician and discuss the pros and cons of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help women with ADHD recognize their symptoms and the root cause and learn about treatment options and reinforce existing strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary process with the GPs, obstetricians, and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, monitoring of signs of deterioration, and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regime.