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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 the pregnant fetus. A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus do not develop neurological developmental disorders such as impaired vision or hearing seizures, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research. Risk/Benefit Analysis Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication need to evaluate the benefits of using it against the possible risks for the baby. Doctors don't have the necessary data to make unequivocal recommendations but they can provide information on benefits and risks that can help pregnant women make informed decisions. A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a massive sample-based case control study to examine the prevalence of structural defects that were major in infants who were born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. medications for adhd , clinical geneticists and other experts reviewed the cases in order to ensure that the classification was correct and to minimize any bias. However, the researchers' study had its limitations. The researchers were not able, in the first place, to separate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the small associations observed in the exposed groups are due to the use of medication or the confounding effect of comorbidities. Researchers also did not examine long-term outcomes for the offspring. The study did show that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at slightly higher risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than those who were born without any medication or cut back on their medications prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was caused by central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medications used during pregnancy. Women who took stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an increased chance of having a caesarean delivery or having a baby with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases didn't appear to be affected by the kind of medication 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 may be offset by the greater benefits to both mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this and, if possible, help them develop coping skills that may reduce the impact of her disorder in her daily life and relationships. Interactions with Medication Doctors are increasingly confronted with the dilemma of whether to continue treatment or stop during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are often made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors have to consider their own expertise in conjunction with the experiences of other doctors and the research on the topic. In particular, the issue of potential risks to the baby can be a challenge. Many studies on this subject are based on observations rather than controlled research, and their conclusions are often contradictory. The majority of studies restrict their analysis to live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that can lead to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these shortcomings by analyzing data on live and deceased births. medications for adhd in adults have revealed a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects, other studies have not found a correlation. Most studies show a neutral, or even slightly negative, impact. In all cases, a careful study of the benefits and risks must be performed. It can be challenging, if not impossible, for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In fact, in an article published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can lead to increased depression, feelings of isolation and family conflict for these patients. A loss of medication may also impact the ability to drive safely and complete work-related tasks, which are essential aspects of normal life for those suffering from ADHD. She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to continue taking the medication or discontinue it due to pregnancy educate family members, colleagues, and acquaintances about the condition, the impact on daily functioning and the benefits of continuing the current treatment. It can also aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported when she is struggling with her decision. It is also worth noting that some medications can be absorbed through the placenta so if a woman decides to stop her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware of the possibility that traces of the medication could be passed on to the baby. Birth Defects and Risk of As the use and misuse of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing, so does concern about the potential adverse effects of the drugs on the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge regarding this issue. With two massive data sets researchers were able to look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers found that while the risk overall is low, the first trimester ADHD exposure to medication was associated with slightly higher risk of certain heart defects, like ventriculoseptal defect. The researchers of the study didn't find any association between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies, such as facial deformities or club feet. The findings 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 pregnancy. The risk grew in the latter half of pregnancy, as many women begin to discontinue their medication. Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean birth or have a low Apgar after birth and had a baby that required breathing assistance after birth. The authors of the study were not able to remove bias in selection since they limited the study to women with no other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings. Researchers hope that their research will provide doctors with information when they encounter pregnant women. The researchers recommend that while discussing the risks and benefits are important, the decision about whether to continue or stop medication should be according to the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and the needs of the woman. The authors warn that, while stopping the medication is a possibility to look into, it is not recommended due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental problems in women who are expecting or who have recently given birth. Research has also shown that women who stop taking their medication will have a harder time adjusting to a life without them after the baby is born. Nursing The responsibilities of a new mom can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to manage their symptoms while attending physician appointments, preparing for the arrival of a baby and adapting to new routines in the home can experience severe challenges. As such, many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy. The majority of stimulant drugs pass through breast milk in small amounts, so the risk for nursing infant is very low. However, the rate of medication exposure to the newborn can vary depending on the dosage, frequency it is administered and the time of the day it is administered. In addition, different medications are introduced into the baby's system via the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The impact on a newborn's health is not fully understood. Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. It's a difficult choice for the woman who must weigh the benefits of her medication against the risks to the embryo. As long as there is no more information, doctors should inquire with all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and if they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal time. Numerous studies have proven that women can continue to take their ADHD medication safely during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. This has led to more and more patients are choosing to do so, and in consultation with their doctor they have discovered that the benefits of maintaining their current medication far outweigh any potential risks. Women who suffer from ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor as well as the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help women with ADHD be aware of their symptoms and underlying disorder Learn about the available treatment options and reinforce existing strategies for managing. This should be a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. Pregnancy counseling should include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, and monitoring for indicators of deterioration, and, if needed, adjustments to the medication regime.