ADHD Medication Pregnancy: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Brigitte Searle
0
5
09.30 00:51
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or keep adhd medication pregnancy medications during pregnancy and nursing is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. There aren't enough data regarding how exposure over the counter adhd medication for adults (head to the Blogtov site) time may affect the foetus.
A recent study 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 the need for higher-quality research.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication should evaluate the benefits of using it against the potential dangers for the foetus. Physicians don't have the data to make unambiguous recommendations however they can provide information about risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during early pregnancy did not have a higher risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers used a vast population-based study of case-control to determine the prevalence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who had taken stimulants during early pregnancy, and those who did not. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists examined the cases to ensure an accurate case classification and to minimize the possibility of bias.
However, the study was not without its flaws. The researchers were not able to, in the first place to differentiate the effects of the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult to know whether the small differences observed in the exposed groups are due to medication use or the confounding effect of comorbidities. The researchers also did not examine long-term outcomes for offspring.
The study did reveal that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medications during pregnancy were at slightly higher risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants who were born without any medication or had stopped their medications before or during pregnancy. This increase was caused by central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medications used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher chance of having caesarean sections or one whose baby scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases appear to be unrelated to the type of medication taken during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the small risks posed by the use of ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages can be offset by greater benefits to both baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should speak with their patients about this and, if possible, help them improve coping skills which may reduce 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 question of whether or not to end treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more physicians have to face. These decisions are usually taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, physicians must weigh their own knowledge and experience, as well as the experiences of other doctors, and the research that has been conducted on the subject.
Particularly, the subject of possible risks to the baby can be a challenge. A lot of studies on this issue are based on observations instead of controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. The majority of studies focus on live-births, which could underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects leading to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study presented in the journal club addresses these shortcomings by analyzing both the data from deceased and live births.
Conclusion: While some studies have shown an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects, other studies have not shown such a relationship. Most studies have shown that there is a neutral, or slight negative effect. As a result an accurate risk-benefit analysis must be done in each case.
For many women with ADHD, the decision to stop medication is difficult if not impossible. In fact, in a recent article in 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. In addition, a decrease in medication may affect the ability to perform job-related tasks and drive safely that are crucial aspects of daily life for a lot of people with ADHD.
She suggests that women who are not sure whether to take the medication or stop it due to their pregnancy should educate family members, coworkers and friends about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment plan. Educating them can also help the woman feel supported in her struggle with her decision. It is important to remember that some medications can pass through the placenta so if a woman decides to stop taking her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware that the effects of the medication could be transferred to the child.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as 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 information on this topic. With two massive data sets researchers were able to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall remains low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medicines was associated with an increased risk of certain heart defects such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).
The researchers of the study didn't discover any connection between early medication usage and other congenital anomalies, like facial deformities or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies that have shown a small but significant increase in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medications prior to the birth of their child. The risk was higher in the latter half of pregnancy, when many women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medication.
Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean delivery, have an insufficient Apgar after delivery, and have a baby who needed help breathing after birth. However the researchers of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by limiting the study to women who didn't have any other medical issues 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 benefits and risks are important, the decision about whether to continue or stop medication should be in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.
The authors also advise that even though stopping the medication is an option, it is not a recommended practice because of the high prevalence of depression and other mental health issues for women who are expecting or who are recently postpartum. Additionally, research suggests that women who stop taking their medication will have a tough time adjusting to a life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
The responsibilities that come with being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women with 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 a new routine. As such, many women choose to continue taking their natural adhd medication medications throughout pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medicines pass through breast milk in low amounts, so the risk to the infant who is breastfeeding is low. However, the rate of exposure to medication by the newborn can vary depending on dosage, frequency it is taken and the time of the day the medication is administered. In addition, different medications enter the baby’s system via the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. The impact on a newborn's health is not completely understood.
Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult choice for the patient, who must weigh the benefit of continuing her medication against the possible risks to the embryo. As long as there is no more information, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and if they are planning or taking to take medication during the perinatal period.
A growing number of studies have proven that most women can safely continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In response, an increasing number of patients are choosing to do this. They have concluded after consulting with their doctors, that the benefits of continuing their current medication far outweigh any possible risks.
Women with ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek the advice of a specialist psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber as well as the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes best non stimulant adhd medication for adults-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women with ADHD understand the symptoms and underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and strengthen the coping with adhd without medication mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary approach including obstetricians, GPs and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, monitoring of signs of deterioration and, if needed adjustments to the medication regime.
The decision to stop or keep adhd medication pregnancy medications during pregnancy and nursing is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. There aren't enough data regarding how exposure over the counter adhd medication for adults (head to the Blogtov site) time may affect the foetus.
A recent study 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 the need for higher-quality research.Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication should evaluate the benefits of using it against the potential dangers for the foetus. Physicians don't have the data to make unambiguous recommendations however they can provide information about risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during early pregnancy did not have a higher risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers used a vast population-based study of case-control to determine the prevalence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who had taken stimulants during early pregnancy, and those who did not. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists examined the cases to ensure an accurate case classification and to minimize the possibility of bias.
However, the study was not without its flaws. The researchers were not able to, in the first place to differentiate the effects of the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult to know whether the small differences observed in the exposed groups are due to medication use or the confounding effect of comorbidities. The researchers also did not examine long-term outcomes for offspring.
The study did reveal that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medications during pregnancy were at slightly higher risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants who were born without any medication or had stopped their medications before or during pregnancy. This increase was caused by central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medications used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher chance of having caesarean sections or one whose baby scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases appear to be unrelated to the type of medication taken during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the small risks posed by the use of ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages can be offset by greater benefits to both baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should speak with their patients about this and, if possible, help them improve coping skills which may reduce 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 question of whether or not to end treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more physicians have to face. These decisions are usually taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, physicians must weigh their own knowledge and experience, as well as the experiences of other doctors, and the research that has been conducted on the subject.
Particularly, the subject of possible risks to the baby can be a challenge. A lot of studies on this issue are based on observations instead of controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. The majority of studies focus on live-births, which could underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects leading to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study presented in the journal club addresses these shortcomings by analyzing both the data from deceased and live births.
Conclusion: While some studies have shown an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects, other studies have not shown such a relationship. Most studies have shown that there is a neutral, or slight negative effect. As a result an accurate risk-benefit analysis must be done in each case.
For many women with ADHD, the decision to stop medication is difficult if not impossible. In fact, in a recent article in 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. In addition, a decrease in medication may affect the ability to perform job-related tasks and drive safely that are crucial aspects of daily life for a lot of people with ADHD.
She suggests that women who are not sure whether to take the medication or stop it due to their pregnancy should educate family members, coworkers and friends about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment plan. Educating them can also help the woman feel supported in her struggle with her decision. It is important to remember that some medications can pass through the placenta so if a woman decides to stop taking her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware that the effects of the medication could be transferred to the child.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as 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 information on this topic. With two massive data sets researchers were able to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall remains low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medicines was associated with an increased risk of certain heart defects such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).
The researchers of the study didn't discover any connection between early medication usage and other congenital anomalies, like facial deformities or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies that have shown a small but significant increase in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medications prior to the birth of their child. The risk was higher in the latter half of pregnancy, when many women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medication.
Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean delivery, have an insufficient Apgar after delivery, and have a baby who needed help breathing after birth. However the researchers of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by limiting the study to women who didn't have any other medical issues 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 benefits and risks are important, the decision about whether to continue or stop medication should be in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.
The authors also advise that even though stopping the medication is an option, it is not a recommended practice because of the high prevalence of depression and other mental health issues for women who are expecting or who are recently postpartum. Additionally, research suggests that women who stop taking their medication will have a tough time adjusting to a life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
The responsibilities that come with being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women with 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 a new routine. As such, many women choose to continue taking their natural adhd medication medications throughout pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medicines pass through breast milk in low amounts, so the risk to the infant who is breastfeeding is low. However, the rate of exposure to medication by the newborn can vary depending on dosage, frequency it is taken and the time of the day the medication is administered. In addition, different medications enter the baby’s system via the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. The impact on a newborn's health is not completely understood.
Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult choice for the patient, who must weigh the benefit of continuing her medication against the possible risks to the embryo. As long as there is no more information, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and if they are planning or taking to take medication during the perinatal period.
A growing number of studies have proven that most women can safely continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In response, an increasing number of patients are choosing to do this. They have concluded after consulting with their doctors, that the benefits of continuing their current medication far outweigh any possible risks.
Women with ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek the advice of a specialist psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber as well as the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes best non stimulant adhd medication for adults-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women with ADHD understand the symptoms and underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and strengthen the coping with adhd without medication mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary approach including obstetricians, GPs and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, monitoring of signs of deterioration and, if needed adjustments to the medication regime.