10 Top Mobile Apps For ADHD Medication Pregnancy
10 Top Mobile Apps For ADHD Medication Pregnancy
Blog Article
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women with ADHD face a difficult decision on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There are few data regarding how exposure over time may affect the foetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological issues such as impaired hearing or vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that further high-quality research is needed.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who use ADHD medications must weigh the benefits of using them against the risks to the fetus. Physicians don't have the necessary data to make unequivocal recommendations but they can provide information regarding risks and benefits that aid pregnant women in making informed choices.
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 used a large sample-based case control study to assess the frequency of major structural defects in infants born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists examined the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to minimize the possibility of bias.
However, the researchers' study was not without its flaws. Researchers were unable, in the first place, to separate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the small differences observed between the groups exposed were due to medication use or caused by the presence of comorbidities. Additionally, the researchers did not study the long-term outcomes of offspring.
The study showed that infants whose mother took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly higher chance of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to mothers who did not take any medication during pregnancy, or had discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having to have caesarean sections or a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases did appear to be unrelated to the type of medication taken during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the minor risks associated with the use ADHD medications in early pregnancies can be offset by 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 their coping abilities that may minimize the negative impact of her condition on her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
Doctors are increasingly faced with the decision of whether to maintain treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. Often, these decisions are made in the absence of any evidence that is clear and definitive either way, so physicians must weigh what they know, the experiences of other doctors, and what research says on the topic as well as their own judgments for each individual patient.
The issue of risk to infants is difficult to determine. A lot of studies on this subject are based on observational data instead of controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. In addition, most 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 discussed in this journal club addresses these issues by examining data on both live and deceased births.
The conclusion is that while some studies have found an association between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, other studies have not found any evidence of a link, and most studies have a neutral or slightly negative impact. As a result, a careful risk/benefit analysis must be done in each instance.
For women suffering from ADHD and ADD, the decision to stop medication can be difficult, if more info not impossible. In fact, in an article recently published 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 loneliness, and family conflict for patients with ADHD. In addition, a decrease in medication may affect the ability to do jobs and drive safely which are essential aspects of a normal life for many people with ADHD.
She suggests that women who are unsure about whether to keep or discontinue medication due to their pregnancy, consider the possibility of educating friends, family members and colleagues about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and on the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. Educating them can also make the woman feel more comfortable when she is struggling with her decision. It is also worth noting that some drugs can pass through the placenta therefore, if a patient decides to stop her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware that traces of the drug could be passed on to the baby.
Risk of Birth Defects
As the use of ADHD drugs to treat 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 of knowledge on this subject. Researchers utilized two massive data sets to study more than 4.3 million pregnant women and determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers found that while the overall risk is low, the first trimester ADHD medication use was associated with slightly higher risk of certain heart defects, like ventriculoseptal defects.
The authors of the study did not find any association between early medication usage and congenital anomalies like facial deformities, or club feet. The results are consistent with previous studies showing an increase, but not significant, in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications prior to the birth of their child. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women began to stop taking their medication.
Women who took ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean delivery and also have an insufficient Apgar after delivery and had a baby that required breathing assistance at birth. However the authors of the study were not able to eliminate selection bias by restricting the study to women who didn't have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.
Researchers hope that their study will provide doctors with information when they meet pregnant women. They recommend that, while a discussion of the risks and benefits is crucial, the decision to stop or maintain treatment must be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors also caution that even though stopping the medication is an option, it isn't an option that is recommended due to the high rate of depression and other mental health issues for women who are expecting or postpartum. Additionally, research suggests that women who stop taking their medications will have a difficult transitioning to life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
It can be overwhelming to become a mother. Women who suffer from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to a new routine. This is why many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout the course of pregnancy.
The risk for breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk at a low level. The rate of medication exposure can vary depending upon the dosage, frequency of administration and the time of day. Additionally, different medications are introduced into the baby's system through the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The impact on the health of a newborn isn't fully comprehended.
Due to the absence of research, some physicians may be inclined to discontinue stimulant medications during the course of pregnancy. It's a difficult choice for the woman, who must weigh the advantages of continuing her medication against the risk to the fetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors can ask pregnant patients whether they have any 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 without risk while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. In response, a rising number of patients are choosing to do this. They have concluded through consultation with their physicians that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh risk.
Women with ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek the advice of a specialist psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber and discuss the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD understand the symptoms and underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and build the coping mechanisms. This should include an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if necessary modifications to the medication regime.