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ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Women suffering from ADHD must make a difficult decision regarding whether or not to stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There is a lack of information about how long-term exposure to these medications may affect the foetus. A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological issues like hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research. Risk/Benefit Analysis Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medications must weigh the benefits of using them against the risks to the foetus. Doctors don't have the information needed to provide clear recommendations but they can provide information regarding the risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making informed choices. A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications during their early pregnancy did not have a significantly increased risk of fetal heart malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers conducted a large sample-based case control study to compare the incidence of structural defects that were major in infants born to mothers who used stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts examined the cases to confirm that the classification was accurate and to eliminate any bias. The research conducted by the researchers was not without its limitations. Researchers were unable, in the first place to distinguish the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the small differences observed between the groups that were exposed to medication use or confounded by comorbidities. The researchers also did not study the long-term effects for the offspring. The study revealed that infants whose mother took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to mothers who didn't take any medication during pregnancy or discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system-related disorders and the increased risk of admission was not found to be influenced by the stimulant medications were taken during pregnancy. Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having to have caesarean sections or a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases didn't seem 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 greater benefits to both the mother and child of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should speak with their patients about this issue and as much as possible, assist them develop coping skills that can lessen the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and her relationships. Medication Interactions As more women than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the question of whether to continue or end treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more doctors have to face. The majority of these decisions are made in the absence of solid and reliable evidence regardless, so doctors must weigh their knowledge, the experiences of other doctors, and what research suggests about the subject, along with their own best judgment for each individual patient. Particularly, the subject of possible risks to the baby can be tricky. Many studies on this topic are based on observational data rather than controlled research, and their conclusions are often contradictory. In addition, most studies limit their analysis to live births, which may undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can result in abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these limitations by analyzing data on live and deceased births. Conclusion A few studies have found an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects, other studies have not shown such a relationship. Most studies have shown a neutral, or even slight negative effect. In all cases it is imperative to conduct a thorough study of the risks and benefits should be conducted. For women suffering from ADHD who suffer from ADHD, the decision to stop medication is difficult, if not impossible. In please click the following page published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can increase depression and feelings of loneliness. In addition, a decrease in medication can affect the ability to perform 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 medication in light of their pregnancy consider the possibility of educating friends, family members, and coworkers on the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and on the benefits of keeping the current treatment plan. It can also help a woman feel more confident in her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If a woman decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it is crucial to be aware that the drug could be transferred to the infant. Birth Defects and Risk of As the use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows there are concerns about what impact the medications could have on fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge on this subject. Researchers used two massive datasets to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnant women and determine if the use of stimulant medications increased birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the scientists discovered that the first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was associated with an increased risk of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD). The researchers of the study did not discover any connection between early medication usage and other congenital anomalies, like facial deformities, or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies showing an increase, but not significant, in the risk of developing cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications prior to pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy when many women stopped taking their medication. Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely to need a caesarean and also have a low Apgar after birth and have a baby that needed help breathing after birth. However the researchers of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by restricting the study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could be a contributing factor to these findings. The researchers hope their research will serve to inform the clinical decisions of doctors who see pregnant women. The researchers advise that while discussing the risks and benefits are important, the choice regarding whether or not to stop taking medication should be in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her requirements. The authors warn that, while stopping the medication is an option to look into, it is not advised due to the high rate depression and other mental disorders among women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth. Additionally, the research suggests that women who decide to stop their medications are more likely to have a difficult time getting used to life without them after the birth of their baby. Nursing The responsibilities that come with being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women with ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must deal with their symptoms, go to doctor appointments, 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 amounts, so the risk to the nursing infant is very low. However, the frequency of medication exposure to the infant can differ based on the dosage, frequency it is administered, and the time of day the medication is administered. In addition, different drugs enter the infant's system through the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. please click the following page of these medications on a newborn's health is not completely comprehended. Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult decision for the patient, who must weigh the benefit of continuing her medication with the potential dangers to the embryo. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors should ask all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and if they are planning or taking to take medication during the perinatal period. Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue to take their ADHD medication safely during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. As a result, more and more patients choose to do so, and in consultation with their doctor 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 the medication they are taking with their physician and discuss the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD be aware of the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and reinforce strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary process including obstetricians, GPs, and psychiatry. The pregnancy counselling should consist of the discussion of a treatment plan for both the mother and child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration, and when necessary, making adjustments to the medication regimen.