ADHD Medication Pregnancy: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly > 자유게시판

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The decision to stop or continue ADHD medications during pregnancy and nursing is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these drugs may affect the foetus.

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 that more high-quality studies are needed.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Pregnant women who take ADHD medications need to balance the benefits of using them against the risks to the foetus. The doctors don't have the information to make unambiguous recommendations however they can provide information about risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make an informed decision.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication during early pregnancy were not at higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted 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 early pregnancy and those who had not. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists examined the cases to ensure accurate classification of the cases and to reduce the possibility of bias.

However, the researchers' study had its limitations. Researchers were unable, in the first place to distinguish the effects of the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine if the small differences observed between the groups exposed were due to the use of medication or if they were confounded by the presence of comorbidities. Additionally, the researchers did not study the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.

The study found that infants whose mother had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy had a higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to mothers who 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 took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having to have caesarean sections or the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases didn't appear to be affected by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the minor risks posed by the use of ADHD medications in early pregnancies could be offset by the more beneficial outcomes for both mother and baby from 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 that can lessen the impact of her disorder on her daily functioning and 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. Most of the time, these decisions are made in the absence of any evidence that is clear and definitive regardless, so doctors must weigh their knowledge, the experiences of other doctors, and what the research suggests on the subject, along with their best judgment for each individual patient.

The issue of risk for infants can be particularly tricky. The research on this issue is based on observations instead of controlled studies and a lot of the results are contradictory. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that could result in abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these issues by looking at data from both live and deceased births.

The conclusion: While some studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, other studies have not found any evidence of a link, and most studies show a neutral or even slightly negative impact. Therefore an accurate risk-benefit analysis must be done in each instance.

It isn't easy, but not impossible, for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In fact, in a recent article in Archives of Women's Mental Health, psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can cause depression, feelings of loneliness and family conflict for those suffering from the disorder. Additionally, the loss of medication can affect the ability to do work-related tasks and safely drive that are crucial aspects of daily life for many people suffering from ADHD.

She suggests that women who are unsure whether to take the medication or stop due to pregnancy educate family members, colleagues, and acquaintances about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. It can also help the woman feel supported when she is struggling with her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If a patient decides to not take her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the drug may be transferred to her baby.

Birth Defects and Risk of

As the use of ADHD medication for inattentive adhd and anxiety to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as do concerns about what impact the drugs could have on the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body knowledge on this subject. Researchers used two huge data sets to study more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medications increased birth defects. Although the risk overall is low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medicines was associated with an increase in the risk of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).

The authors of the study could not discover any link between early use of medication and other congenital anomalies, such as facial deformities or club feet. The results are in agreement with previous studies which showed a small, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medication prior to the time of the birth of their child. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy, as many women begin to discontinue their ADHD medications.

Women who used inattentive adhd medication uk medication in the first trimester of their pregnancies were also more likely to experience caesarean section, low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who needed help breathing at birth. The researchers of the study were unable to eliminate bias due to selection because they restricted the study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.

The researchers hope their research will help inform the clinical decisions of physicians who encounter pregnant women. The researchers advise that, while discussing the risks and benefits are important, the decision about whether to continue or stop medication should be made in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.

The authors caution that, while stopping the medication is a possibility to consider, it is not advised due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental disorders among women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. Research has also shown that women who stop taking their medication will have a harder time adjusting to a life without them once the baby is born.

Nursing

It can be a stressful experience becoming a mother. Women suffering from adhd sleep medication list can face severe challenges when they must deal with their symptoms, attend doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to new routines. This is why many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.

The majority of stimulant drugs are absorbed through breast milk in small amounts, so the risk for infant who is breastfeeding is low. The rate of exposure to medication can doctors prescribe adhd medication vary depending upon the dosage, frequency of administration and time of day. Additionally, different medications enter the baby’s system via the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. The impact of these medications on the health of a newborn isn't completely comprehended.

Due to the absence of research, some doctors may recommend stopping stimulant medications during the course of pregnancy. It is a difficult decision for the woman who must weigh the benefits of her medication against the potential risks to the fetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors can inquire about pregnant patients whether they have an history of ADHD or if they plan to take medication during the perinatal period.

Numerous studies have proven that women can continue to take their ADHD medication safely during pregnancy and breast-feeding. In response, an increasing number of patients are choosing to do so. They have concluded, in consultation with their physicians that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh any possible risks.

It's important for women with ADHD who are contemplating breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior to becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their prescriber and discuss the pros and cons of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help women with ADHD understand their symptoms and underlying disorder and learn about treatment options and reinforce existing strategies for coping. This should include a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP, obstetricians and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, monitoring of signs of deterioration and, if needed modifications to the medication regime.