Incontestable Evidence That You Need ADHD Medication Pregnancy
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ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or continue ADHD medication during pregnancy and nursing is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these drugs can affect the foetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological problems such as hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high-quality studies are required.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who use cheapest adhd medication medications need to balance the benefits of using them against the risks to the fetus. Physicians do not have the information needed to make unequivocal recommendations however they can provide information on benefits and risks that can assist pregnant women in making informed decisions.
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. The researchers used a large population-based case-control study to evaluate the incidence of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who had taken stimulants in early pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists reviewed the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to limit the chance of bias.
However, the study had its limitations. The researchers were unable, in the first place to distinguish the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to establish whether the small associations observed among the groups exposed were due to the use of medications or confounded by co-morbidities. Additionally the study did not study the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.
The study found that infants whose mother had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy had a greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU), compared to those whose mothers didn't take any medication during pregnancy or had quit taking the medication 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 medications used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having to have a caesarean section or the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These risks did not appear to be affected by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the minor risk of using ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages could be offset by the more beneficial outcomes for both mother and baby from continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this issue and try to help them develop coping strategies that could reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and her relationships.
Interactions with Medication
As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the question of whether or not to discontinue treatment during pregnancy is one that more and more physicians face. Most of the time, these decisions are made without clear and authoritative evidence in either case, which means that doctors have to weigh their experience from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and what research suggests on the subject, along with their own judgments for each individual patient.
The issue of risk to infants is particularly tricky. The research on this issue is based on observation instead of controlled studies and many of the findings are conflicting. In addition, most studies limit their analysis to live births, which may underestimate severe teratogenic effects that lead to abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these limitations by analyzing the data from deceased and live births.
The conclusion The conclusion: While certain studies have demonstrated an association between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, other studies have found no such relationship, and most studies show a neutral or even slightly negative impact. In each case it is imperative to conduct a thorough study of the risks and benefits should be conducted.
It isn't easy, but not impossible for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In fact, in an article recently published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping does adhd medication work medication during pregnancy can lead to increased depression, feelings of isolation and family conflict for patients with ADHD. Furthermore, a loss of medication may affect the ability to complete work-related tasks and safely drive that are crucial aspects of daily life for many people suffering from ADHD.
She recommends that women who are unsure about whether to continue or stop taking medication because of their pregnancy should consider the possibility of educating friends, family members and colleagues about the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment plan. Educating them can also aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported as she struggles with her decision. It is important to note that some 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 drug can be transferred to the child.
Birth Defects and Risk of
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. A study that was 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 medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the overall risk is low, the first trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher rates of specific heart defects like ventriculoseptal defects.
The authors of the study could not discover any link between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies, like facial deformities or club feet. The results are consistent with previous studies revealing a small but significant increase in the risk of developing cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medications prior to the time of pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy, when many women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medication.
Women who were taking ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean birth or have an insufficient Apgar after delivery and have a baby that needed breathing assistance at birth. The researchers of the study were unable to remove bias in selection since they limited the study to women with no other medical conditions that might have contributed to the findings.
Researchers hope that their study will provide doctors with information when they encounter pregnant women. They advise that while the discussion of risks and benefits is important, the decision to stop or keep medication must be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors caution that, even though stopping the medication is a possibility to look into, it is not advised due to the high prevalence of depression and mental health issues for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Research has also shown that women who stop taking their medications will have a tough adjustment to life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
The responsibilities that come with being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD can face severe challenges when they must manage their symptoms, go to doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a baby and adjust to a new routine. As such, many women elect to continue taking their Adhd Medication Cost medications throughout the course of pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medicines are absorbed through breast milk in very small amounts, so the risk to the breastfeeding infant is minimal. However, the frequency of medication exposure to the newborn may differ based on the dosage, frequency it is administered and the time of day the medication is administered. Additionally, different medications enter the infant's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn is not fully understood.
Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medications during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult choice for the patient, who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the potential risks to the foetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors should inquire with all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and if they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal time.
A growing number of studies have shown that women can continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This has led to many patients opt to do this and in consultation with their doctor they have found that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh any risks.
Women with ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor as well as the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non stimulant adhd medications for adults-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help women with ADHD understand their symptoms and underlying disorder Learn about the available treatments and to reinforce existing coping strategies. This should be a multidisciplinary effort together with obstetricians, GPs, and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if needed modifications to the medication regime.
