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ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Women with ADHD face a difficult decision on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these drugs could affect the foetus. A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication in the uterus don't develop neurological conditions like hearing loss or impaired vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality studies. Risk/Benefit Analysis Women who are pregnant and take ADHD medication must consider the benefits of taking it versus the dangers for the baby. Doctors don't have the necessary data to give clear guidelines, but they can provide information about the risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making informed decisions. A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at higher risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. The researchers used a large, population-based case-control study to assess the risk of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who took stimulants during early pregnancy and those who had not. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts examined the cases to confirm that the classification was accurate and to eliminate any bias. However, the study was not without its flaws. In particular, they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from the underlying disorder. This makes it difficult to determine whether the small differences observed in the groups that were exposed result from medication use or comorbidities that cause confusion. Additionally, the researchers did not look at the long-term effects of offspring on their parents. The study did reveal that babies whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly more risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants whose mothers had not taken any medication or taken off their medication prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system-related disorders and the increased risk of admission was not found to be influenced by which stimulant medications were used during pregnancy. Women who used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an elevated chance of having a caesarean birth or having a baby born with a low Apgar score (less than 7). These risks did not appear to be influenced by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy. The researchers suggest that the risk of a small amount with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy could be offset by the higher benefit for both mother and child from continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, if possible, help them develop strategies to improve their coping abilities which can reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and relationships. Medication Interactions Many doctors are faced with the decision of whether to continue treatment or stop during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are frequently made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors have to weigh their own knowledge, the experience of other doctors and the research that has been conducted on the subject. In particular, the issue of possible risks to the infant can be difficult. Many of the studies on this issue are based on observational evidence rather than controlled research and their findings are often contradictory. Furthermore, most studies restrict their analysis to live births, which could underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that could cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study presented in the journal club addresses these issues by analyzing information on deceased and live births. Conclusion Some studies have revealed an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects However, other studies haven't established a link. Most studies show an unintended, or slight negative effect. In adhd medication list , a careful evaluation of the benefits and risks must be performed. For a lot of women with ADHD, the decision to stop taking medication is difficult, if not impossible. In a recent piece published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can lead to depression and feelings of loneliness. In addition, a decrease in medication can interfere with the ability to complete work-related tasks and safely drive that are crucial aspects of a normal life for many people with ADHD. She suggests that women who are unsure about whether to keep or stop medication in light of their pregnancy, consider informing family members, friends and colleagues on the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment plan. It can also help the woman feel supported as she struggles with her decision. It is important to note that certain medications can pass through the placenta so if a woman decides to discontinue her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware that the effects of the medication could be transferred to the infant. Birth Defects and Risk of As the use and abuse of ADHD medication to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), increases the concern over the potential effects of these drugs on the fetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of information on this topic. Researchers used two huge data sets to study more than 4.3 million pregnant women and determine if the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall remains low, the scientists found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medicines was associated with a slightly higher rate of specific heart defects, like ventriculo-septal defects (VSD). The researchers of the study did not discover any link between the use of early medications and congenital anomalies like facial deformities or club feet. The results are in agreement with previous studies that showed the existence of a slight, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medication prior to the time of the birth of their child. The risk was higher during the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women decide to stop taking their medication. Women who used ADHD medications during the first trimester of their pregnancies were also more likely to experience caesarean sections, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who needed breathing assistance during birth. The researchers of the study were unable to remove bias in selection since they limited their study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings. Researchers hope that their study will provide doctors with information when they see pregnant women. The researchers recommend that while discussing benefits and risks are important, the decision on whether to continue or stop medication should be made in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her requirements. The authors also caution that, while stopping the medication is an option, it isn't a recommended practice because of the high rate of depression and other mental health issues in women who are pregnant or who are recently post-partum. Furthermore, research suggests that women who decide to stop their medications are more likely to experience difficulties adjusting to life without them after the baby's arrival. Nursing It can be a challenge to become a mother. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to deal with their symptoms while attending physician appointments as well as preparing for the arrival of a baby and adapting to new routines in the home are often faced with a number of difficulties. Therefore, many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout the course of pregnancy. The majority of stimulant medicines are absorbed by breast milk in very small amounts, therefore the risk to nursing infant is very low. The rate of medication exposure will vary based on the dosage, frequency of administration and the time of day. Additionally, individual medications enter the body of the baby differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk. The impact of this on a newborn is not yet fully understood. Due to the absence of research, some doctors may recommend stopping stimulant medication during the pregnancy of a woman. It is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the advantages of her medication against the risks to the foetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors should inquire with all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and if they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal period. Numerous studies have proven that women can continue taking their ADHD medication without risk during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. In response, a rising number of patients are choosing to continue their medication. They have concluded, in consultation with their physicians that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh any potential risks. Women who suffer from ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek advice from an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss the medication they are taking with their physician as well as the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help women with ADHD be aware of their symptoms and the root cause and learn about treatment options and reinforce existing strategies for managing. This should be a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP, obstetricians and psychiatry. Pregnancy counselling should include discussion of a management plan for both mother and child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration, and the need for adjustments to the medication regimen.