https://postheaven.net/firedcable11/10-things-you-learned-in-preschool-thatll-aid-you-in-adhd-without-medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women suffering from ADHD have to make a difficult choice regarding whether or not to stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these drugs could affect the fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus don't develop neurological conditions like hearing or vision impairment, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality research.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who take ADHD medications must weigh the benefits of taking them against the potential risks to the fetus. Doctors don't have the necessary data to provide clear recommendations, but they can provide information on benefits and risks that can assist pregnant women in making informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at a higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based study of case control to compare the incidence of major structural defects in infants born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts looked over the cases to ensure that the classification was correct and to minimize any bias.
However, the study had its limitations. In particular, they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from the underlying disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the small associations observed among the exposed groups were due to the use of medications, or if they were confounded by comorbidities. In addition the study did not look at long-term offspring outcomes.
The study did reveal that babies whose mothers had taken ADHD medications during pregnancy were at a higher risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants who were born without any medication or cut back on their medications prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was caused by central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication that was used during pregnancy.
Women who used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an increased chance of having a caesarean section or having a baby 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.
The researchers suggest that the low risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy could be offset by the higher benefit for both mother and child from continued treatment for the woman's disorder. https://posteezy.com/where-do-you-think-concerta-adhd-medication-be-one-year-right-now should talk to their patients about this and as much as possible, assist them develop coping skills that may reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.
Interactions with Medication
As more women than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the dilemma of whether or not to discontinue treatment during pregnancy is a question that doctors are having to confront. Most of the time, these decisions are taken in the absence of any evidence that is clear and definitive either way, so physicians have to weigh their experience about their experiences, the experiences of other doctors, and what research suggests on the subject, along with their best judgment for each patient.
Particularly, the subject of potential risks for the infant can be difficult. The research that has been conducted on this topic is based on observation rather than controlled studies and the results are conflicting. Furthermore, most studies restrict their analysis to live births, which may underestimate severe teratogenic effects that result in abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study discussed in this journal club addresses these issues by looking at data from both live and deceased births.
Conclusion Some studies have found an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't found a correlation. The majority of studies show that there is a neutral, or somewhat negative, effect. Therefore an accurate risk-benefit analysis must be done in each case.
For a lot of women with ADHD and ADD, the decision to stop taking 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 increase depression, feelings of isolation and family conflict for those suffering from the disorder. A decrease in medication could also impact the ability to drive safely and complete work-related tasks, which are crucial aspects of everyday life for those with ADHD.
She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to continue taking the medication or stop it due to their pregnancy should educate family members, coworkers and their friends about the condition, its impact on daily functioning and the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen. It can also help women feel more confident in her decision. It is also worth noting that certain medications are able to pass through the placenta so if the patient decides to stop her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must 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 drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases there are concerns about what impact the drugs might have on fetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge about this subject. With two massive data sets researchers were able to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk is low, the researchers discovered that the first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was linked to an increase in the risk of certain heart defects like ventriculo-septal defects (VSD).
The researchers of the study found no connection between the use of early medications and other congenital abnormalities, such as facial clefting or club foot. The findings 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 grew in the latter half of pregnancy, when many women decide to stop taking their ADHD medications.
Women who took ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean delivery and also have a low Apgar after delivery, and had a baby that required help breathing at birth. However, the authors of the study were not able 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 their research will inform physicians when they see pregnant women. The researchers advise that, while discussing benefits and risks are important, the decision about whether to continue or stop medication should be made based on the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and the needs of the woman.
The authors also advise that even though stopping the medication is an option, it is not an option to consider due to the high rate of depression and other mental health issues among women who are pregnant or recently postpartum. Additionally, research suggests that women who stop taking their medication will have a harder adjustment to life without them once the baby is born.
Nursing
It can be a stressful experience becoming a mother. Women with ADHD who must work through their symptoms while attending doctor appointments as well as making preparations for the arrival of a baby and adapting to new routines in the home are often faced with a number of difficulties. Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medications are absorbed through breast milk in small amounts, so the risk to infant who is breastfeeding is low. The amount of exposure to medications will differ based on dosage and frequency of administration as well as time of day. Additionally, different medications enter the body of the baby differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk. The impact of this on a newborn is not yet fully understood.
Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the absence of research. It is a difficult decision for the woman, who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the risks to the foetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors may ask pregnant patients whether they have any background of ADHD or if they plan to take medication in the perinatal period.
Numerous studies have proven that women can continue to take their ADHD medication safely during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. As a result, many patients opt to do this and, after consulting with their doctor, they have found that the benefits of maintaining their current medication far outweigh any potential risks.
It is essential for women with ADHD who are considering breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's guidance prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help women with ADHD recognize their symptoms and the underlying disorder and learn about treatment options and strengthen existing strategies for coping. This should involve a multidisciplinary approach with the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if necessary adjustments to the medication regimen.