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ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding The decision to stop or keep ADHD medication during breastfeeding and pregnancy is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these medications could affect the fetus. A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological issues such as impaired hearing or vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high quality studies are required. Risk/Benefit Analysis Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication should consider the benefits of taking it versus the dangers for the baby. Doctors don't have the information needed to make unequivocal recommendations but they can provide information regarding risks and benefits that assist 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 face an higher risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large, population-based case-control study to evaluate the incidence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who took stimulants during the early stages of pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts reviewed the cases in order to make sure that the classification was accurate and to eliminate any bias. adhd medication list conducted by the researchers had some limitations. The researchers were unable in the beginning, to separate the effects of the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the limited associations observed in the groups that were exposed result from medication use or the confounding effect of comorbidities. In addition the study did not look at long-term offspring outcomes. The study revealed that infants whose mother took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly higher chance of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to mothers who did not take any medication during pregnancy or had stopped taking their medication before or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy. Women who took stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an elevated chance of having a caesarean birth or having a baby with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases appear to be independent of the type of medication taken during pregnancy. The researchers suggest that the risk of a small amount with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy may be offset by the greater benefit to both mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, where possible, help them develop strategies to improve coping skills which can reduce the negative impact of her condition on her daily functioning and 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 stop treatment during pregnancy is one that doctors are having to have to face. These decisions are often taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors must take into account their own experience and experience, as well as the experiences of other doctors, and the research that has been conducted on the subject. The issue of risk to the infant can be particularly tricky. The research on this subject is based on observations instead of controlled studies and a lot of the results are conflicting. In addition, most studies limit their analysis to live births, which may underestimate severe teratogenic effects that result in abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study discussed in the journal club addresses these shortcomings by analyzing both the data from deceased and live 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 show that there is a neutral, or slight negative effect. In all cases an in-depth evaluation of the benefits and risks must be performed. most effective adhd medication for adults can be challenging, if not impossible, for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. In fact, in an article published in Archives of Women's Mental Health, psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can increase depression, feelings of loneliness and family conflict for these patients. Additionally, the loss of medication can affect the ability to do jobs and drive safely, which are important aspects of daily life for a lot of people with ADHD. She recommends that women who are unsure about whether to keep or stop medication in light of their pregnancy should consider the possibility of educating friends, family members and colleagues on the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. Educating them can also help the woman feel supported when she is struggling with her decision. Certain medications can be passed through the placenta. If a patient decides not to take her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the medication could be passed on to her infant. Birth Defects and Risk of As the use and misuse of ADHD medications to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as does the concern about the potential effects of these drugs on the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body knowledge on this issue. With two massive data sets, researchers were able to look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies to determine whether stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the risk overall is low, the first trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher rates of specific heart defects like ventriculoseptal defect. The researchers of the study did not find any association between early use of medication and congenital anomalies such as facial deformities or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies showing the presence of 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. The risk increased in the latter part of pregnancy when many women stopped taking their medication. Women who took ADHD medications in the first trimester of their pregnancies were also more likely to experience caesarean section, low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who required breathing assistance at birth. However the authors of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by restricting the study to women who did not have any other medical issues that could be a contributing factor to these findings. The researchers hope their research will serve to inform the clinical decisions of physicians who see pregnant women. The researchers suggest that, while discussing risks and benefits are important, the choice about whether to continue or stop medication should be made based on the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs. The authors caution that, although stopping the medication is a possibility to think about, it isn't advised due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental problems in women who are expecting or who have recently given birth. Further, the research suggests that women who decide to stop taking their medication are more likely to have difficulties adapting to life without them after the birth of their baby. Nursing It can be overwhelming to become a mother. Women with ADHD can face severe challenges when they must manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a baby and adjust to new routines. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy. The risk for nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk in low amounts. However, the rate of exposure to medications by the newborn can vary depending on the dosage, frequency it is administered and the time of day it is administered. Additionally, different drugs enter the infant's system via the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. The effect on a newborn's health is not fully understood. Some physicians may discontinue stimulant medications during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. It is a difficult decision for the woman who must weigh the advantages of taking her medication as well as the risks to the foetus. Until more information is available, doctors should inquire with all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and whether they are taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal time. A growing number of studies have revealed that most women can safely continue to take their ADHD medication while they are pregnant and nursing. As a result, an increasing number of patients are choosing to do so, and after consulting with their doctor, they have discovered that the benefits of keeping their current medication far outweigh any risks. It is essential for women with ADHD who are thinking of breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant people with ADHD understand their symptoms and the underlying disorder Learn about the available treatment options and reinforce existing coping strategies. This should involve a multidisciplinary approach with the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. Pregnancy counseling should consist of 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.