riverhumor00

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Women with ADHD must make a difficult decision regarding whether or not to stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There aren't enough data on how long-term exposure may affect a fetus. A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus do not develop neurological disorders like impaired vision or hearing seizures, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that further high-quality studies are needed. Risk/Benefit Analysis Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medication must consider the benefits of taking it versus the dangers for the baby. Physicians don't have the data to give clear advice, but can provide information on the risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make an informed decision. A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at a higher risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large, population-based case-control study to determine the prevalence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who took stimulants during the early stages of pregnancy, and those who did not. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists looked over the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to minimize the possibility of bias. However, the researchers' study was not without its flaws. Most important, they were unable to separate the effects of the medication from the disorder at hand. That limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the small differences observed in the exposed groups result from medication use or comorbidities that cause confusion. The researchers did not examine the long-term effects for the offspring. The study found that infants whose mother took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to mothers who did not use any medication during pregnancy or had discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was caused by central nervous system disorders. buy adhd medication uk increased risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication that was used during pregnancy. Women who took stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an elevated risk of having a caesarean delivery or having a baby born with low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did appear to be unrelated to the type of medication taken during pregnancy. Researchers suggest that the minor risk of using ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages may be offset by the greater benefits for mother and baby from continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, where possible, help them develop strategies to improve coping skills that may minimize the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and relationships. Medication Interactions Many doctors are confronted with the dilemma of whether to maintain treatment or stop during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. Often, these decisions are made without clear and authoritative evidence in either case, which means that doctors have to weigh their experience about their experiences, the experiences of other doctors, and what the research suggests on the subject, along with their best judgment for each individual patient. The issue of possible risks to infants is particularly tricky. The research on this subject is based on observation instead of controlled studies and the results are contradictory. The majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which may underestimate the teratogenic impact that can lead to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these shortcomings by analyzing both information on deceased and live births. The conclusion The conclusion: While some studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, others have found no connection, and most studies have a neutral or slight negative effect. In all cases, a careful evaluation of the potential risks and benefits is required. For a lot of women with ADHD and ADD, the decision to stop taking medication is difficult, if 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 increase depression, feelings of isolation and family conflict for patients with ADHD. A decrease in medication could also impact the ability to drive safely and complete work-related tasks, which are essential aspects of everyday life for those with ADHD. She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to take the medication or stop due to pregnancy should educate family members, coworkers and their friends about the condition, the effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment. It can also make the woman feel more comfortable as she struggles with her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If a patient decides not to take her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it is crucial to be aware that the medication could be transferred to the infant. Birth Defects and Risk of As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows as do concerns about the effects that the medications could have on the fetuses. adhd medication list published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge regarding this issue. Researchers used two huge data sets to study more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine if stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall remains low, the researchers did find that first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was associated with a slightly higher rate of certain heart defects, such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD). The researchers of the study found no connection between early medication use and congenital abnormalities like facial clefting, or club foot. The findings are in line with previous studies that have shown the presence of a small, but significant increase in the risk of heart malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications before the birth of their child. This risk increased during the latter half of pregnancy when many women decided to stop taking their medication. Women who used ADHD medications during the first trimester of their pregnancies were also more likely to experience caesarean section, low Apgar score after delivery and a baby who needed help breathing at birth. The researchers of the study could not eliminate selection bias because they limited their study to women without other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings. Researchers hope that their research will inform physicians when they see pregnant women. They suggest that although discussing the benefits and risks is important but the decision to stop or continue treatment must be based on each woman's requirements and the severity of her ADHD symptoms. The authors also caution 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, the research suggests that women who choose to stop taking their medications are more likely to have difficulties getting used to life without them after the baby's arrival. Nursing The responsibilities of being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from 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. Many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy. The majority of stimulant medications are absorbed through breast milk in low quantities, so the risk to nursing infant is very low. However, the frequency of exposure to medication by the infant can differ based on the dosage, frequency it is administered and the time of day it is administered. Additionally, different medications enter the baby’s system through the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The effect on the health of a newborn is not fully understood. Because of the lack of research, some doctors may recommend stopping stimulant medication during the pregnancy of a woman. This is a difficult choice for the patient, who must balance the benefit of continuing her medication against the potential risks to the embryo. In the meantime, until more information is available, 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 increasing number of studies have shown that the majority of women are able to safely continue to take their ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In response, a rising number of patients are choosing to do this. They have discovered through consultation with their doctor, that the benefits of retaining their current medication outweigh any possible risks. Women with ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their physician and discuss the pros and cons of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD understand the symptoms and underlying disorder. They should also learn about treatment options and strengthen the coping mechanisms. This should involve a multidisciplinary approach with the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. Pregnancy counselling should include the discussion of a treatment plan for both mother and child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration and the need for adjustments to the medication regimen.