What's The Current Job Market For ADHD Medication Pregnancy Professionals? > 자유게시판

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

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The decision to stop or keep ADHD medications during pregnancy and nursing is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. There aren't many studies on how long-term exposure may affect a pregnant fetus.

A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to adhd medication Pregnancy 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 expecting and taking ADHD medication must evaluate the benefits of using it versus the risks to the foetus. Doctors don't have enough data to provide clear recommendations however they can provide information about risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make an informed decision.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during their early pregnancy did not have a greater risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large population-based case control study to assess the frequency of major structural defects in infants born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists reviewed the cases to ensure correct case classification and to limit the possibility of bias.

The study of the researchers had some limitations. Researchers were unable to, in the first place to differentiate the effects of the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine if the small differences observed between the groups that were exposed to the use of medications prescribed for adhd, or if they were affected by co-morbidities. Additionally the study did not examine the long-term outcomes of offspring.

The study revealed that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly higher chance of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to those whose mothers did not use any medication during pregnancy or 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 medication used during pregnancy.

Women who used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an elevated risk of having a caesarean section or having a baby with a low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did appear to be independent of 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 could be offset by the greater benefit to both the mother and child of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, where possible, help them develop strategies to improve their coping abilities that may minimize the negative impact of her condition on her daily life and relationships.

Interactions with Medication

Many doctors are faced with the decision of whether to maintain treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are usually taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors have to weigh their own knowledge and experience, as well as the experiences of other doctors, and the research on the topic.

Particularly, the subject of potential risks to the baby can be a challenge. Many studies on this topic are based on observational evidence instead of controlled research and their findings are often contradictory. The majority of studies focus on live births, which may underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects which can cause abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study presented in the journal club addresses these shortcomings, by examining both data on live and deceased births.

The conclusion: While some studies have shown an association between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, other studies have found no such relationship and the majority of studies show a neutral or even slightly negative effect. In all cases it is imperative to conduct a thorough analysis of the benefits and risks is required.

For women suffering from ADHD, the decision to stop medication is difficult if not impossible. In a recent article in the Archives of Women's Mental Health, psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can increase depression, feelings of loneliness, and family conflict for those suffering from the disorder. Additionally, the loss of medication can affect the ability to perform work-related tasks and safely drive that are crucial aspects of daily life for many people suffering from ADHD.

She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to continue taking medication or stop it due to their pregnancy should educate family members, colleagues, and acquaintances about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of continuing the current treatment regimen. Educating them can also help the woman feel supported in her struggle with her decision. It is important to note that certain medications can be absorbed through the placenta so if the patient decides to stop her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware 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) grows there are concerns about the effects that the drugs might have on the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge on this issue. Researchers utilized two massive data sets to examine more than 4.3 million pregnant women and determine if the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the researchers did find that first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was linked to an increase in the risk of certain heart defects such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).

The authors of the study did not discover any link between early medication usage and congenital anomalies like facial deformities or club feet. The results are in the same vein as previous studies that have shown the existence of a slight, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medication prior to pregnancy. The risk increased in the latter half of pregnancy when many women decided to stop taking their medication.

Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean delivery or have an insufficient Apgar after delivery and have a baby who needed breathing assistance when they were born. 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 have contributed to these findings.

Researchers hope that their research will help doctors when they meet pregnant women. The researchers suggest that while discussing benefits and risks are important, the choice on whether to continue or stop medication should be made in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and the needs of the woman.

The authors caution that, while stopping the medication is a possibility to look into, it is not advised due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental problems in women who are expecting or have recently given birth. Research has also shown that women who stop taking their medication will have a harder transitioning to life without them after the baby is born.

Nursing

The responsibilities that come with being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to new routines. Many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The majority of stimulant medicines pass through breast milk in very small quantities, so the risk to nursing infant is very low. The rate of exposure to medication can vary depending upon the dosage and frequency of administration as well as time of day. Additionally, different medications enter the body of the baby differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn infant is not fully known.

Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. It's a difficult choice for the mother, who must weigh the benefits of taking her medication as well as the risk to the fetus. As long as there is no more information, doctors should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and if they are taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal period.

A growing number of studies have shown that most women can safely continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This has led to many patients choose to do so and, in consultation with their doctor they have discovered that the benefits of continuing their current medication far exceed any risk.

It is crucial for women suffering from ADHD who are thinking of breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their physician and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological strategies. 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, which includes the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. The pregnancy counselling should consist of discussion of a management plan for both the mother and child, monitoring for signs of deterioration and when necessary, making adjustments to the medication regimen.