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

• 페이스북 공유
• 트위터 공유
• 

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medications during pregnancy and nursing is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these medications could affect the foetus.

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

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Pregnant women who use ADHD medications need to balance the benefits of using them against the risks to the fetus. Doctors don't have the data needed to provide clear recommendations however they can provide information about risks and benefits that help pregnant women make informed decisions.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who were taking ADHD medications during early pregnancy did not have a significantly increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers conducted a large population-based case-control study to evaluate the incidence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who had taken stimulants in the early stages of pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts examined the cases to make sure that the classification was correct and to reduce any bias.

The study of the researchers had some limitations. In particular, they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from the effects of the underlying disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to establish whether the small associations observed among the groups that were exposed to the use of medications, or if they were confounded by comorbidities. The researchers also did not examine long-term outcomes for offspring.

The study found that infants whose mother had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to those whose mothers did not use any medication during pregnancy, or had stopped taking their medication before or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system-related disorders and the increased risk for admission did not appear to be affected by the type of stimulant medications were used during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having caesarean sections or one whose baby scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases did appear to be unrelated to the type of medication used during pregnancy.

The researchers suggest that the risk of a small amount with the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancy may be offset by the greater benefits to both the mother and child of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, when possible, assist them in developing strategies to improve coping skills that can lessen the impact of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.

Medication Interactions

Doctors are increasingly confronted with the dilemma of whether to keep treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are frequently made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, physicians must weigh their own knowledge, the experience of other physicians and the research on the topic.

Particularly, the subject of potential risks to the baby can be a challenge. The research that has been conducted on this topic is based on observations instead of controlled studies and a lot of the results are in conflict. Most studies restrict their analysis to live births, which may underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that can lead to abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these issues by examining data on both live and deceased births.

The conclusion: While some studies have found an association between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, other studies have not found any evidence of a link and the majority of studies demonstrate a neutral or slightly negative impact. In each case it is imperative to conduct a thorough study of the benefits and risks should be conducted.

For many women with ADHD and ADD, the decision to stop medication can be difficult, if not impossible. In a recent article published in Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can cause depression and feelings of isolation. In addition, a decrease in medication can affect the ability to do work-related tasks and safely drive which are essential aspects of a normal life for many people suffering from ADHD.

She suggests that women who are not sure whether to take the medication or discontinue it due to pregnancy should educate family members, coworkers, and friends about the condition, its impact on daily functioning and the benefits of continuing the current treatment plan. It can also make the woman feel more comfortable in her struggle with her decision. It is important to note that certain drugs can be absorbed through the placenta so if the patient decides to discontinue her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware of the possibility that traces of the drug can be transferred to the infant.

Birth Defects and Risk of

As the use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as do concerns about what impact the medications could have on foetuses. 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 look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies to determine whether the use of 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 medications was linked to an increased risk of certain heart defects, like ventriculo-septal defects (VSD).

The researchers behind the study found no connection between early medication use and other congenital abnormalities, like facial clefting, or club foot. The findings are in line with previous studies showing the presence of a small, but significant increase in the risk of heart malformations in women who started taking ADHD medications prior to pregnancy. The risk was higher during the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medications.

Women who used ADHD medications in the first trimester of their pregnancies were also more likely to have caesarean sections, a low Apgar score after delivery and a baby who needed breathing assistance during birth. The authors of the study were not able to eliminate bias due to selection because they restricted the study to women with no other medical conditions that might have contributed to the findings.

Researchers hope that their study will help doctors when they meet pregnant women. The researchers advise that, while discussing benefits and risks are important, the choice about whether to continue or stop taking medication should be based on 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 advised because of the high incidence of depression and other mental disorders in women who are expecting or have recently given birth. Further, the research suggests that women who decide to stop their medications are more likely to have a difficult time adjusting to life without them after the birth of their baby.

Nursing

It can be overwhelming becoming a mother. Women suffering from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must deal with their symptoms, go to doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to new adhd medication uk routines. As such, many women decide to continue taking their adhd medication for adults uk medications throughout the course of pregnancy.

The risk for nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk at low levels. The amount of exposure to medications will vary based on the dosage and frequency of administration as well as time of day. Additionally, individual medications enter the infant's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk, and the effect of this on a newborn infant is not yet fully understood.

Due to the absence of research, some doctors may be inclined to discontinue stimulant medications during the pregnancy of a woman. This is a difficult choice for the patient, who must weigh the benefit of continuing her medication against the possible risks to the embryo. Until more information becomes available, GPs can ask pregnant patients if they have a history of ADHD or if they plan to take medication in the perinatal stage.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue taking their ADHD medication safely during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. In response, an increasing number of patients are choosing to do so. They have concluded, in consultation with their doctors, that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh any risk.

It is crucial for women suffering from ADHD who are thinking of breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's guidance prior to 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 is also needed to help pregnant women with adhd uk medication be aware of the symptoms and underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and build the coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary effort together with obstetricians, GPs, and psychiatry. The pregnancy counselling should consist of the discussion of a plan for management for both the mother as well as the child, monitoring for signs of deterioration and the need for adjustments to the medication regimen.