• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women with ADHD have to make a difficult choice on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There aren't enough data regarding how exposure over time may affect the pregnant fetus.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological disorders such as impaired hearing or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality studies.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Pregnant women who take ADHD medications must weigh the benefits of taking them against potential risks to the fetus. Doctors don't have the information needed to provide clear recommendations however they can provide information about benefits and risks that can assist pregnant women in making informed decisions.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication in early pregnancy were not at a 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 infants 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 make sure that the classification was correct and to eliminate any bias.

However, the researchers' study had its limitations. Researchers were unable to, in the first place to distinguish the effects of the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine if the small differences observed between the exposed groups were due to medication use, or if they were affected by co-morbidities. The researchers also did not study long-term outcomes for the offspring.

The study showed that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy had a higher chance of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to those whose mothers did not use any medication during pregnancy, or had stopped taking their medication before or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system-related disorders, and the increased risk for admission did not appear to be affected by the type of stimulant medication was used during pregnancy.

Women who took stimulant adhd medications for adults with anxiety medication during pregnancy were also at an elevated risk of having a caesarean birth or having a child with a low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases appear to be unrelated to the type of medication taken during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the small risks posed by the use of adhd medication guanfacine; go now, medication during pregnancies in the early stages may be offset by the greater benefits for baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, if they are able, assist them in developing strategies for improving their coping skills which can reduce the negative impact of her condition on her daily life and relationships.

Medication Interactions

As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the issue of whether or not to discontinue treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more doctors have to face. Often, these decisions are taken in the absence of clear and authoritative evidence in either case, which means that doctors must weigh what they know from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and what research suggests about the subject and their own best judgment for each patient.

The issue of risk for infants can be extremely difficult. Many studies on this subject are based on observational evidence rather than controlled research and their findings are often contradictory. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which can underestimate severe teratogenic effects that cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study discussed in this journal club addresses these issues by analyzing data on live and deceased births.

Conclusion A few studies have found a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't found a correlation. Most studies have shown that there is a neutral, or slightly negative, effect. In all cases, a careful evaluation of the risks and benefits should be conducted.

For women suffering from ADHD who suffer from ADHD, the decision to discontinue medication can be difficult, if not impossible. In an article recently 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. The loss of medication can also affect the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are crucial aspects of daily life for those suffering from ADHD.

She suggests that women who are unsure whether to continue taking the medication or stop it due to their pregnancy should educate family members, coworkers, and friends about the condition, the effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment plan. In addition, educating them can help the woman feel supported when she is struggling with her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If the patient decides not to take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the drug may be transferred to her infant.

Birth Defects and Risk of

As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows, so do concerns about what impact the drugs could have on fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing knowledge about this subject. Researchers used two huge data sets to study more than 4.3 million pregnancy and determine whether stimulant medications caused birth defects. Researchers found that while the risk overall is low, first-trimester adhd medication names exposure to medication was associated with slightly higher rates of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect.

The researchers of the study could not discover any link between the use of early medications and congenital anomalies such as facial deformities or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies showing an increase, but not significant, in the risk of heart malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications before the birth of their child. This risk increased during the latter half of pregnancy when a large number of women decided to stop taking their medication.

Women who took ADHD medications in the first trimester of their pregnancies were also more likely to undergo a caesarean section, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who needed breathing assistance during birth. The researchers of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias because they limited the study to women with no other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.

The researchers hope that their research will help inform the clinical decisions of doctors who encounter pregnant women. The researchers suggest that, while discussing benefits and risks are important, the decision regarding whether or not to stop medication should be made in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her requirements.

The authors warn that, although stopping the medication is an option to think about, it isn't recommended due to the high rate depression and mental health issues among women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Furthermore, research suggests that women who choose to stop taking their medication are more likely to experience difficulties adjusting to life without them following the baby's arrival.

Nursing

It can be a stressful experience becoming a mother. Women suffering from ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to a new routine. This is why many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout the course of pregnancy.

The risk to a breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medications passes through breast milk at low levels. The rate of medication exposure will vary based on the dosage, frequency of administration and time of day. Additionally, individual medications enter the baby's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk, and the effect of this on a newborn isn't fully understood.

Due to the absence of evidence, some doctors may recommend stopping stimulant drugs during a woman's pregnancy. It is a difficult decision for the woman who must weigh the benefits of her medication against the risks to the embryo. Until more information becomes available, GPs may inquire about pregnant patients whether they have a history of ADHD or if they plan to take medication during the perinatal phase.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue taking their ADHD medication safely during pregnancy and breast-feeding. In response, an increasing number of patients are choosing to continue their medication. They have discovered after consulting with their physicians, that the benefits of continuing their current medication far outweigh any potential risks.

Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber and discuss the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD recognize the signs and the underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and build the coping mechanisms. This should be an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, monitoring types of adhd medication indicators of deterioration, and, if necessary modifications to the medication regimen.