cribanger2

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Women with ADHD face a difficult decision about whether to continue or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these medications may affect the foetus. A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological problems such as impaired hearing or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that further high-quality studies are required. Risk/Benefit Analysis Women who are pregnant and take ADHD medication must consider the benefits of taking it against the possible risks for the foetus. Physicians don't have the information needed to provide clear recommendations but they can provide information regarding the risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making informed decisions. A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during early pregnancy were not at higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large sample-based case control study to examine the prevalence of structural defects that were major in infants who were born to mothers who used stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts looked over the cases to confirm that the classification was correct and to minimize any bias. The research conducted by the researchers was not without its limitations. The researchers were not able, in the first place to distinguish the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult to know whether the small associations observed in the exposed groups result from medication use or confounding by comorbidities. Researchers also did not examine long-term outcomes for the offspring. The study did reveal that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a more risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants whose mothers had not taken any medication or had cut back on their medications prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was due to central nervous system disorders, and the increased risk of admission did not appear to be affected by the type of stimulant medications were used during pregnancy. Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having caesarean sections or a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These risks did not appear to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy. The research suggests that the risk of a small amount with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy may be offset by the higher benefit to both mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this and as much as possible, assist them develop coping skills that could reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships. Medication Interactions As more women than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the issue of whether or not to end treatment during pregnancy is one that more and more physicians face. These decisions are often made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors must take into account their own experience in conjunction with the experiences of other doctors, and the research on the subject. The issue of potential risks to infants is extremely difficult. adhd medication uk on this issue is based on observation instead of controlled studies and the results are conflicting. Most studies restrict their analysis to live births, which may underestimate the teratogenic impact which can cause abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these issues by analyzing data on live and deceased births. Conclusion Some studies have shown an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't shown such a relationship. The majority of studies show that there is a neutral, or somewhat negative, impact. Therefore, a careful risk/benefit analysis is required in every situation. For a lot of women with ADHD who suffer from ADHD, the decision to discontinue medication is difficult if not impossible. In fact, in a recent article in the 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 also impact the ability to safely drive and perform work-related tasks, which are vital aspects of everyday life for those with ADHD. She recommends that women who are unsure about whether to keep or stop medication in light of their pregnancy, consider the possibility of educating friends, family members, and coworkers on the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and on the advantages of continuing the current treatment plan. It will also help a woman feel more confident in her decision. It is also worth noting that certain medications can be absorbed through the placenta so if the patient decides to stop her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware of the possibility that traces of the medication could be passed on to the baby. Birth Defects and Risk of As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases, so do concerns about the effects that the drugs could have on the fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing knowledge about this subject. Using two massive data sets, researchers were able to look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies to determine whether stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the researchers discovered that the first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was associated with a slightly higher rate of specific heart defects, like ventriculo-septal defects (VSD). The authors of the study didn't discover any link between early use of medication and other congenital anomalies like facial deformities or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies that have shown the presence of a small, but significant increase in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications prior to the time of the time of pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy, as many women are forced to stop taking their medication. Women who were taking ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean delivery and also have an insufficient Apgar after delivery and have a baby who needed breathing assistance when they were born. However, the authors of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by restricting the study to women who did not have any other medical issues that could have contributed to the findings. Researchers hope that their research will help doctors when they meet pregnant women. The researchers suggest that while discussing risks and benefits are important, the choice regarding whether or not to stop taking medication should be in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and the needs of the woman. The authors caution that, although stopping the medication is an option to look into, it is not advised due to the high rate depression and other mental disorders for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Furthermore, research suggests that women who choose to stop taking their medication are more likely to have a difficult time getting used to life without them following the birth of their baby. 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, go to doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to a new routine. As such, many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout the course of pregnancy. The majority of stimulant medicines pass through breast milk in low amounts, so the risk for infant who is breastfeeding is low. The amount of exposure to medications will differ based on dosage and frequency of administration as well as the time of the day. In addition, different medications are introduced into the baby's system via the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The effect on the health of a newborn is not fully comprehended. Some physicians may discontinue stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the absence of research. This is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the advantages of taking her medication as well as the potential risks to the embryo. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors should inquire with all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and whether they are planning or taking to take medication during the perinatal period. Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue taking their ADHD medication safely during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. In response, a rising number of patients are opting to do so. They have discovered through consultation with their physicians, that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh any risk. Women with ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek the advice of a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their physician and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continuing treatment, including non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help women with ADHD be aware of their symptoms and the underlying disorder and learn about treatment options and reinforce existing strategies for managing. This should be a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Counselling for pregnancy should include the discussion of a treatment plan for both the mother as well as the child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration and when necessary, making adjustments to the medication regimen.