treating adhd without medication medication not working (mouse click the next article) Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The decision to stop or keep ADHD medication during pregnancy and nursing is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. There are few data on how exposure to ADHD for a long time could affect a foetus.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological problems such as impaired hearing or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high quality research is needed.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Pregnant women who take ADHD medications need to balance the benefits of taking them against potential risks to the fetus. Doctors don't have enough data to provide clear recommendations however they can provide information on risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make informed decisions.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during early pregnancy were not at greater risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based case control study to assess the frequency of structural defects that were major in infants born to mothers who used stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts examined the cases to make sure that the classification was accurate and to minimize any bias.

However, the researchers' study was not without its flaws. In particular, they were unable to separate the effects of the medication from those of the disorder that is underlying. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the small differences observed between the groups exposed were due to the use of medication or if they were confounded by the presence of comorbidities. In addition, the researchers did not look at long-term offspring outcomes.

The study revealed that babies whose mothers had taken best adhd medication for adults with anxiety and depression medication during pregnancy were at a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to mothers who 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-related disorders and the increased risk for admission was not found to be influenced by the stimulant medications were taken during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having caesarean sections or one whose baby scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases did not appear to be affected by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the minor risk of using ADHD medications in early pregnancies may be offset by the greater benefits for baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, when they are able, assist them in developing strategies to improve their coping abilities that can lessen the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.

Medication Interactions

Doctors are increasingly faced with the decision of whether to keep treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are often made without clear and reliable evidence. Instead, doctors have to consider their own expertise and experience, as well as the experiences of other doctors and the research on the topic.

Particularly, the issue of potential risks to the baby can be tricky. Many of the studies on this issue are based on observations rather than controlled research and their findings are often contradictory. Most studies focus on live births, which may underestimate the teratogenic impact leading to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these shortcomings, by examining both data on live and deceased births.

Conclusion A few studies have revealed an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects, other studies have not established a link. The majority of studies show an unintended, or slight negative impact. Therefore, a careful risk/benefit analysis must be conducted in every case.

For a lot of women with ADHD who suffer from ADHD, the decision to stop medication can be difficult, if not impossible. In a recent article in Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can cause depression and feelings of isolation. A decrease in medication could affect the ability to drive safely and to perform work-related tasks which adhd medication is the best are essential aspects of everyday life for those suffering from ADHD.

She suggests that women who are unsure whether to continue taking medication or discontinue it due to pregnancy educate family members, colleagues, and their friends about the condition, the impact on daily functioning and the benefits of continuing the current treatment regimen. In addition, educating them can aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported when she is struggling with her decision. It is also worth noting that certain drugs can be absorbed through the placenta therefore, if a patient decides to discontinue her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware that the effects of the drug could be passed on to the baby.

Risk of Birth Defects

As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows as do concerns about what impact the drugs could have on fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge regarding this issue. Researchers utilized two massive data sets to study more than 4.3 million pregnancy and determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall remains low, the scientists did find that first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was associated with an increase in the risk of certain heart defects, such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).

The authors of the study could not find any association between early medication usage and other congenital anomalies like facial deformities, or club feet. The results are consistent with previous studies showing a small but significant increase in the risk of heart malformations among women who began taking adhd medication weight loss uk medications prior to the time of pregnancy. The risk increased in the latter half of pregnancy, when a lot of women stopped taking their medication.

Women who took ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean delivery or have a low Apgar after birth and have a baby that needed help breathing at birth. The authors of the study were not able to eliminate bias due to selection because they limited the study to women without other medical conditions that might have contributed to the findings.

Researchers hope their research will inform physicians when they encounter pregnant women. They suggest that although the discussion of risks and benefits is important, the decision to stop or continue medication should be based on each woman's requirements and the severity of her best adhd medication for adults with anxiety and depression symptoms.

The authors also caution 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 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 once the baby is born.

Nursing

The responsibilities that come with being a new mother can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must deal with their symptoms, go to doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to new routines. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The majority of stimulant drugs are absorbed through breast milk in small amounts, therefore the risk to infant who is breastfeeding is low. The rate of medication exposure can vary depending upon the dosage the medication is administered, its frequency and the time of day. In addition, 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 comprehended.

Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult decision for the woman who must weigh the advantages of her medication against the risk to the embryo. Until more information is available, doctors should ask all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and if they are taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal time.

A increasing number of studies have shown that the majority of women are able to safely continue their ADHD medication while they are pregnant and nursing. In the end, many patients are choosing to do so and, in consultation with their physician, they have discovered that the benefits of continuing their current medication far exceed any risk.

Women with ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek the advice of a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber, and the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help women with ADHD understand their symptoms and the root cause, learn about available treatments and to reinforce existing strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, monitoring of signs of deterioration and, if needed adjustments to the medication regime.