20 Myths About ADHD Medication Pregnancy: Debunked

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medications during breastfeeding and pregnancy is challenging for women with the condition. There are few data regarding how exposure over time may affect a pregnant fetus.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication in the uterus do not develop neurological developmental disorders like hearing or vision impairment seizures, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment.  how to get adhd medication uk I Am Psychiatry  acknowledge the need for more high-quality studies.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and take ADHD medication must weigh the benefits of taking it against the possible risks for the baby. Physicians don't have the data to give clear advice however they can provide information on the risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making an informed decision.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at a greater risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers used a vast, population-based case-control study to assess the risk of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who had taken stimulants during early pregnancy and those who had not. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts looked over the cases to ensure that the classification was correct and to eliminate any bias.

The study of the researchers was not without limitations. Researchers were unable in the beginning, to separate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult to know whether the small associations observed in the groups that were exposed are due to the use of medication or comorbidities that cause confusion. In addition, the researchers did not look at long-term offspring outcomes.

The study did find that infants whose mothers took ADHD medications during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than those who were born without any medication or had cut back on their medications prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was due to central nervous system disorders, and the increased risk for admission did not appear 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 to have an emergency caesarean section or having one whose baby scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases didn't seem to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the minor risks associated with the use ADHD medications during early pregnancies can be offset by greater benefits to both baby and mother 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 strategies that may reduce 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 issue of whether to continue or discontinue treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more doctors face. These decisions are usually taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors have to weigh their own knowledge in conjunction with the experiences of other physicians and the research on the subject.

The issue of potential risks for infants can be particularly tricky. The research on this subject is based on observation rather than controlled studies, and the results are contradictory. Most studies limit their analysis to live births, which can underestimate the teratogenic impact that can lead to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these shortcomings by examining data on both live and deceased births.

The conclusion: While certain studies have demonstrated an association between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, other studies have found no such relationship and the majority of studies demonstrate a neutral or slightly negative effect. In each case it is imperative to conduct a thorough study of the risks and benefits should be conducted.

It can be difficult, if not impossible for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. In a recent article 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 isolation. Furthermore, a loss of medication can interfere with the ability to complete jobs and drive safely, which are important aspects of daily life for many people with ADHD.

She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to take the medication or stop due to pregnancy, educate their family members, coworkers, and friends about the condition, its impact on daily functioning and the benefits of continuing the current treatment regimen. It will also help a woman feel more confident in her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If the patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the medication could be passed on to her infant.

Risk of Birth Defects

As the use and abuse of ADHD medication to treat symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing the concern over the potential effects of these drugs on foetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing information on this topic. Utilizing two huge data sets researchers were able to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medicines was associated with an increased risk of certain heart defects, such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).

The researchers of the study did not discover any link between early medication usage and other congenital anomalies, like facial deformities, or club feet. The findings are in line with previous studies revealing an increase, but not significant, in the risk of heart malformations in women who started taking ADHD medications prior to pregnancy. The risk was higher in the latter half of pregnancy, when many women are forced to stop taking their medication.

Women who took ADHD medications during the first trimester of their pregnancies were also more likely to experience caesarean sections, a low Apgar score after delivery and a baby that required breathing assistance during birth. However, the authors of the study were not able to eliminate bias due to selection by limiting the study to women who did not have other medical issues that could be a contributing factor to these findings.

Researchers hope their research will inform physicians when they encounter pregnant women. They recommend that, while the discussion of the benefits and risks is important however, the decision to stop or keep treatment should be based on the woman's requirements and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.

The authors caution that, while stopping the medication is a possibility to consider, it is not recommended because of the high incidence of depression and mental health issues in women who are expecting or have recently given birth. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medications will have a tough transitioning to life without them once the baby is born.

Nursing

It can be a stressful experience to become a mother. Women with ADHD who have to manage their symptoms while attending doctor appointments as well as getting ready for the arrival of a child and getting used to new routines at home are often faced with a number of difficulties. This is why many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout pregnancy.

The risk to breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medications is absorbed through breast milk at low levels. However, the frequency of medication exposure to the infant can differ based on dosage, frequency it is taken and the time of day it is administered. In addition, various medications enter the baby’s system through the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The effect on a newborn's health is not completely known.

Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult choice for the patient, who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the potential dangers to the embryo. Until more information is available, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and whether they are taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal period.

Numerous studies have proven that women can continue taking their ADHD medication in a safe manner during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. In response, a rising number of patients are opting to do this. They have concluded after consulting with their doctor, that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh any possible risks.

It is crucial for women suffering from ADHD who are considering breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's guidance 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 methods. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD recognize their symptoms and the underlying disorder and learn about treatment options and reinforce existing strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary approach together with obstetricians, GPs and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counselling should include the discussion of a plan for management for both the mother and child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration, and the need for adjustments to the medication regimen.