Why The Biggest "Myths" About ADHD Medication Pregnancy Could Be A Lie > 자유게시판

adhd over the counter medication uk Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medications during breastfeeding and pregnancy is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these drugs may affect the foetus.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during utero do not develop neurological conditions like hearing loss or impaired vision seizures, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high quality research is needed.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medication must weigh the benefits of taking it versus the risks for the baby. Physicians don't have the data to give clear advice but they can provide information on risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make informed choices.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications during early pregnancy did not have an increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers conducted a massive population-based study of case control to examine the prevalence of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who used stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts reviewed the cases in order to make sure that the classification was accurate and to reduce any bias.

The research conducted by the researchers was not without its limitations. The researchers were not able, in the first place, to separate the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult to determine whether the small differences observed in the exposed groups are due to the use of medication or the confounding effect of comorbidities. The researchers did not look at long-term outcomes for the offspring.

The study revealed that infants whose mothers took adhd stimulant medication medication during pregnancy had a higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to those whose mothers didn't 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 medications used during pregnancy.

Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having to have an emergency caesarean section or having the baby was not scoring well 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.

Researchers suggest that the small risks associated with the use ADHD medications in early pregnancies could be offset by the greater benefits to both mother and baby of continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, where possible, help them develop strategies to improve their coping abilities that may minimize the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.

Medication Interactions

More and more doctors are confronted with the dilemma of whether to continue treatment or stop during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. Most of the time, these decisions are made without solid and reliable evidence in either case, which means that doctors must weigh their knowledge about their experiences, the experiences of other doctors, and what the research suggests about the subject as well as their own best non stimulant adhd medication for adults judgment for each individual patient.

The issue of risk for infants can be extremely difficult. Many of the studies on this topic are based on observations instead of controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. Most studies restrict their analysis to live-births, which could underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that can lead to abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study discussed in the journal club addresses these shortcomings, by examining both data on live and deceased births.

Conclusion Some studies have shown a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects However, other studies haven't found a correlation. Most studies show a neutral, or even slight negative effect. Therefore an accurate risk-benefit analysis must be conducted in every case.

For a lot of women with ADHD who suffer from ADHD, the decision to discontinue medication can be difficult, if not impossible. In an article published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can increase depression, feelings of isolation and family conflict for these patients. The loss of medication can also impact the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are essential aspects of normal life for people with ADHD.

She suggests that women who are unsure whether to continue taking the medication or stop due to pregnancy, educate their family members, coworkers, and acquaintances about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. It can my general practitioner prescribe adhd medication also help a woman feel supported in her decision. It is important to remember that certain drugs can be absorbed through the placenta so if the patient decides to discontinue her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware that the effects of the drug could be transferred to the child.

Risk of Birth Defects

As the use and misuse of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), increases, so does concern about the possible effects of the drugs on foetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge on this subject. Researchers used two huge data sets to study more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine if the use of stimulant medications increased birth defects. Researchers discovered that although the risk overall is low, the first trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher rates of specific heart defects such as ventriculoseptal defect.

The authors of the study didn't find any association between early medication usage and other 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 time of pregnancy. The risk grew during the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medication.

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

Researchers hope that their study will provide doctors with information when they meet pregnant women. They recommend that, while the discussion of the benefits and risks is important however, the decision to stop or continue medication must be based on each woman's requirements and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.

The authors warn that, while stopping the medication is an option to look into, it is not advised due to the high prevalence of depression and mental health issues among women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Additionally, research suggests that women who stop taking their medications will have a tough transitioning to life without them after the baby is born.

Nursing

The responsibilities of a new mother can be overwhelming. Women suffering from ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must deal with their symptoms, go to doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to new routines. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The risk to breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk at low levels. The amount of exposure to medications can vary depending upon the dosage and frequency of administration as well as time of day. In addition, various medications enter the baby’s system via the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The effect on the health of a newborn isn't completely understood.

Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a complicated decision for the patient, who must weigh the benefit of continuing her medication against the potential risks to the embryo. As long as more information is available, doctors may inquire about pregnant patients if they have any background of ADHD or if they plan to take medication in the perinatal period.

Many studies have shown 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 do so. They have discovered, in consultation with their doctor, that the benefits of retaining their current medication outweigh any potential risks.

Women with ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their prescriber and discuss the pros and cons of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation should also be provided to help women with ADHD recognize their symptoms and the underlying disorder, learn about available treatment options and reinforce existing coping strategies. This should be a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. The pregnancy counselling should consist of discussion of a management plan for both mother and child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regimen.