How To Outsmart Your Boss On ADHD Medication Pregnancy > 자유게시판

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women with ADHD face a difficult decision regarding whether or not to stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is a lack of information about how long-term exposure to these medications could affect the foetus.

A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological issues like hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality studies.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication must weigh the benefits of taking it versus the risks for the fetus. Physicians don't have the data needed to provide clear recommendations but they can provide information regarding the risks and benefits to help pregnant women make informed decisions.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who took ADHD medications during early pregnancy did not face an increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers used a large population-based study of case control to assess the frequency of major structural defects in infants born to mothers who used stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists reviewed the cases to ensure correct classification of the cases and to reduce the chance of bias.

However, the study had its limitations. Most important, they were unable to separate the effects of the medication from those of the disorder that is underlying. That limitation makes it difficult to know whether the small differences observed in the exposed groups are due to the use of medication or the confounding effect of comorbidities. Additionally, the researchers did not look at the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.

The study did reveal that infants whose mothers took ADHD medications during pregnancy were at a slightly more risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than those whose mothers had not taken any medication or had cut back on their medications prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system-related disorders and the increased risk of admission was not found to be influenced by the stimulant medications were used during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an increased risk of having a caesarean birth or having a child with low Apgar score (less than 7). These risks did not appear to be influenced by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the small risks associated with the use ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages can be offset by more beneficial outcomes for both baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should speak with their patients about this issue and try to help them develop coping skills that can lessen the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and her relationships.

Medication Interactions

As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the dilemma of whether to continue or discontinue treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more physicians have to face. Most of the time, these decisions are taken in the absence of any evidence that is clear and definitive in either case, which means that doctors must weigh what they know about their experiences, the experiences of other doctors, and what research suggests on the subject and their own judgments for each patient.

Particularly, the subject of possible risks to the baby can be a challenge. The research that has been conducted on this topic is based on observations rather than controlled studies, and many of the findings are conflicting. The majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which may underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects leading to abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study presented in the journal club addresses these limitations by analyzing both information on deceased and live births.

Conclusion Some studies have found an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects However, other studies haven't established a link. The majority of studies show that there is a neutral, or slightly negative, effect. In every case an in-depth evaluation of the risks and benefits is required.

For women suffering from ADHD, the decision to discontinue medication is difficult, if not impossible. In an article published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health, psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can a general physician prescribe adhd medication (Http://www.hondacityclub.com/all_new/home.php?mod=space&uid=1840211) lead to increased depression, feelings of isolation and family conflict for these patients. The loss of medication can also impact the ability to safely drive and complete work-related tasks, which are vital aspects of normal life for those suffering from ADHD.

She suggests that women who are unsure about whether to keep or stop medication in light of their pregnancy consider informing family members, friends and colleagues about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and on the advantages of continuing the current treatment plan. It will also help a woman feel confident about her decision. Certain medications can be passed through the placenta. If a patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is crucial to be aware that the medication may be transferred to her baby.

Birth Defects and Risk of

As the use and misuse of adhd medication cost uk drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (adhd medications for adults with anxiety) increases the concern over the potential effects of these drugs on the fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing information on this topic. Researchers used two huge data sets to examine over 4.3 million pregnancy and determine if stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk is low, the researchers did find that first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was linked to a slightly higher rate of specific heart defects, such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).

The researchers of the study didn't discover any link between early medication usage and congenital anomalies like facial deformities or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies that have shown an increase, but not significant, in the risk of heart malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications prior to the birth of their child. This risk increased in the latter half of pregnancy, as many women are forced to stop taking their medication.

Women who used ADHD medications in the first trimester of their pregnancy were also more likely to undergo a caesarean section, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who needed breathing assistance during birth. The authors 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 might have contributed to the findings.

Researchers hope their research will help doctors when they see pregnant women. The researchers advise that while discussing risks and benefits are important, the decision regarding whether or not to stop medication should be in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.

The authors also warn that while discontinuing the medications is an option, it isn't an option that is recommended due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental health issues for women who are expecting or who are recently post-partum. Research has also shown that women who stop taking their medications will have a difficult transitioning to life without them once the baby is born.

Nursing

The responsibilities that come with being a new mother can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must deal with their symptoms, attend doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a baby and adjust to new routines. Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The majority of stimulant medications are absorbed by breast milk in low quantities, so the risk to the breastfeeding infant is minimal. The rate of exposure to medication can vary depending upon the dosage, frequency of administration and time of day. In addition, various drugs enter the infant's system through the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The impact on the health of a newborn is not fully known.

Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the lack of research. It's a difficult choice for the woman, who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the potential risks to the embryo. In the meantime, until more information is available, GPs may inquire about pregnant patients if they have any history of ADHD or if they intend to take medication in the perinatal period.

A growing number of studies have proven that the majority of women are able to safely continue their ADHD medication while they are pregnant and nursing. In response, a growing number of patients are choosing to do so. They have concluded, in consultation with their doctor that the benefits of keeping their current medication given for adhd outweigh any possible risks.

Women with ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek the advice of a specialist psychiatrist 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 pregnant women suffering from ADHD recognize the signs and the underlying disorder. They should also learn about treatment options and strengthen strategies for coping. This should include a multidisciplinary approach with the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. Pregnancy counseling should include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, monitoring of signs of deterioration and, if needed adjustments to the medication regimen.