Are You Responsible For An ADHD Medication Pregnancy Budget? 10 Fascinating Ways To Spend Your Money
Are You Responsible For An ADHD Medication Pregnancy Budget? 10 Fascinating Ways To Spend Your Money
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ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medication during pregnancy and nursing is challenging for women with the condition. There aren't many studies on how exposure to ADHD for a long time could affect a pregnant fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological issues such as hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality studies.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medication need to evaluate the benefits of using it against the possible risks to the foetus. Doctors don't have enough data to give clear advice but they can provide information on risks and benefits to help pregnant women make informed decisions.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications in early pregnancy did not face a significantly higher risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large population-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. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts looked over the cases to make sure that the classification was correct and to reduce any bias.
However, the study was not without its flaws. The researchers were unable to, in the first place to differentiate the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult to know whether the small associations observed in the groups that were exposed result from medication use or comorbidities that cause confusion. The researchers did not look at long-term outcomes for the offspring.
The study showed that infants whose mother took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly 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 was due to 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 chance of having to have an emergency caesarean section or having one whose baby scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases appeared to be independent of the type of medication used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the small risks posed by the use of ADHD medications in early pregnancies could be offset by the greater benefits to both mother and baby from continuing treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, if possible, assist them in developing strategies to improve their coping abilities which can reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
Many doctors are faced with the decision of whether to continue treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are usually made without clear and reliable evidence. Instead, doctors must consider their own expertise and experience, as well as the experiences of other doctors, and the research that has been conducted on the subject.
The issue of potential risks for infants can be particularly tricky. Many studies on this topic are based on observational data instead of controlled research and their findings are often contradictory. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that could lead to abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these shortcomings, by examining both data on live and deceased births.
Conclusion Some studies have found a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't shown such a relationship. Most studies show that there is a neutral, or somewhat negative, impact. As a result, a careful risk/benefit assessment must be conducted in every case.
It can be challenging, if not impossible, for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. 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 these patients. A loss of medication may also impact the ability to drive safely and perform work-related tasks, which are crucial aspects of daily life for those with ADHD.
She suggests that women who are not sure whether to continue taking the medication or stop due to pregnancy, educate their family members, coworkers, and acquaintances about the condition, the effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment. It can also aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported as she struggles with her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If a woman decides to not take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is crucial to be aware that the drug could be passed on to her infant.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use of ADHD medications to treat 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 knowledge on this subject. Researchers used two massive data sets to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancy and determine whether stimulant medications increased birth defects. Researchers found that while the risk overall is low, the first trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher rates of certain heart defects, like ventriculoseptal defects.
The researchers of the study found no association between early use of medication and other congenital anomalies, such as facial clefting or club foot. The results are in agreement with previous studies that have shown a small, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medication before pregnancy. This risk increased in the later part of pregnancy, when many women are forced to stop taking their medication.
Women who took ADHD medications during the first trimester of their pregnancies were also more likely to undergo a caesarean section, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who required breathing assistance at birth. However the researchers 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 these findings.
The researchers hope their research will help inform the clinical decisions of doctors who see pregnant women. The researchers suggest that while discussing the risks and benefits are important, the decision regarding whether or not to stop medication should be according to the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.
The authors also advise that while discontinuing the medications is an alternative, it is not a recommended practice because of the high prevalence of depression and other mental health problems among women who are pregnant or recently post-partum. Additionally, the research suggests that women who choose to stop taking their medication are more likely to experience a difficult time adapting to life without them after the birth of their baby.
Nursing
The responsibilities of being a new mother can be overwhelming. Women suffering from ADHD may face a lot of challenges 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 ADHD medications throughout pregnancy.
The risk for breastfeeding infant is not too high since the majority of stimulant medication is absorbed through breast milk in low amounts. The rate of exposure to medication will differ based on dosage the medication is administered, its frequency and time of day. Additionally, individual medications enter the baby's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn is not yet fully known.
Because of the lack of research, some doctors may be inclined to discontinue stimulant medications during the pregnancy of a woman. This is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the advantages of taking her medication as well as the risks to the embryo. In the meantime, until website more information is available, doctors can ask pregnant patients whether they have an history of ADHD or if they plan to take medication during the perinatal period.
A growing number of studies have revealed that the majority of women are able to safely continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This has led to more and more patients are choosing to do so, and in consultation with their physician, they have discovered that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh any risks.
Women with ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek advice from an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continuing treatment, including non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help women with ADHD understand their symptoms and the underlying disorder Learn about the available treatments and to reinforce existing strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary approach with the GPs, obstetricians, and psychiatry. Counselling for pregnancy should include the discussion of a treatment plan for both mother and child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regimen.