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https://posteezy.com/non-prescription-adhd-medication-uk-its-not-difficult-you-think

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding The decision to stop or keep ADHD medication during pregnancy and nursing is a challenge for women suffering from the condition There is a lack of information about how longterm exposure to these drugs can affect the fetus A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological issues such as hearing loss or vision febrile seizures or IQ impairment The authors acknowledge the need for more highquality studies RiskBenefit Analysis Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication must consider the benefits of taking it versus the risks for the fetus Doctors dont have enough data to provide clear recommendations however they can provide information on risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make informed decisions A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication in early pregnancy did not have a higher risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects Researchers conducted a massive samplebased case control study to assess the frequency of structural defects that were major in infants who were born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy Clinical geneticists pediatric cardiologists and other experts reviewed the cases in order to confirm that the classification was accurate and to reduce any bias However the study was not without its flaws The researchers were unable in the first place to separate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the small associations observed among the exposed groups were due to the use of medications or if they were affected by the presence of comorbidities In addition the study did not examine the longterm outcomes of offspring The study showed that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit NICU compared to mothers who did not take any medication during pregnancy or had quit taking the medication prior to or during pregnancy This was due to central nervous system disorders The increased risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medications used during pregnancy Women who took stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an increased risk of having a caesarean birth or having a baby born with an low Apgar score less than 7 These increases appear to be independent of the type of medication taken during pregnancy Researchers suggest that the minor risk of using ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages may be offset by the greater benefits for baby and mother of continued treatment for the womans disorder Physicians should speak with their patients about this and try to help them develop coping strategies that could reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and her relationships Medication Interactions As more women than ever before 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 have to face Often these decisions are taken in the absence of any evidence that is clear and definitive in either case which means that doctors must weigh their knowledge from their own experiences those of other doctors and what research suggests about the subject as well as their own best judgment for each patient how to treat adhd without medication in adults of possible risks to infants is difficult to determine The research on this subject is based on observations rather than controlled studies and many of the findings are conflicting In addition most studies limit their analysis to live births which could undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy The study presented in the journal club addresses these issues by examining both data on live and deceased births Conclusion A few studies have shown a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects However other studies havent shown such a relationship The majority of studies show that there is a neutral or slight negative impact In every case an indepth analysis of the risks and benefits is required It can be difficult if not impossible for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication In a recent article in the Archives of Womens Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can cause depression and feelings of isolation A loss of medication may affect the ability to drive safely and complete workrelated tasks which are vital aspects of normal life for those with ADHD She recommends women who are unsure about whether to continue or stop taking medication because of their pregnancy consider educating family members friends and colleagues about the condition its effects on daily functioning and on the advantages of staying on the current treatment plan It can also help a woman feel more confident in her decision Some medications can pass through the placenta If the patient decides to not take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding its important to be aware that the medication could be passed on to her infant Risk of Birth Defects As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD increases as do concerns over the impact that these drugs might have on the fetuses Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge regarding this subject Researchers used two huge data sets to study over 43 million pregnancy and determine whether stimulant medications increased birth defects While the overall risk is low the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medications was linked to an increase in the risk of certain heart defects such as ventriculoseptal defect VSD The researchers of the study didnt discover any connection between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies like facial deformities or club feet The results are consistent with previous studies showing the presence of a small but significant increase in the risk of developing cardiac malformations in women who started taking ADHD medications before the time of pregnancy This risk increased in the later part of pregnancy as many women begin to discontinue their ADHD medication Women who took ADHD medications during the first trimester of pregnancy were also more likely to have caesarean sections a low Apgar score after delivery and a baby that required breathing assistance at birth The researchers of the study were not able to remove bias in selection since they restricted the study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings Researchers hope that their research will help doctors when they see pregnant women The researchers advise that while discussing risks and benefits are important the decision regarding whether or not to stop taking medication should be based on the severity of each womans ADHD symptoms and the needs of the woman The authors also warn that while stopping the medication is an option it isnt a recommended practice because of the high prevalence of depression and other mental health issues among women who are pregnant or recently postpartum Further research shows that women who stop taking their medications will have a difficult time adjusting to a life without them once the baby is born Nursing The responsibilities of a new mom can be overwhelming Women who suffer from ADHD who must work through their symptoms while attending physician appointments and preparing for the arrival of their child and adjusting to new household routines can experience severe challenges Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy The majority of stimulant medications pass through breast milk in very small amounts so the risk to breastfeeding infant is minimal The amount of exposure to medications will differ based on dosage the medication is administered its frequency and the time of day In addition various medications enter the babys system via the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk The impact on the health of a newborn is not fully understood Because of the lack of evidence some doctors may recommend stopping stimulant medication during the pregnancy of a woman This is a difficult decision for the woman who must weigh the advantages of continuing her medication against the risks to the foetus In the meantime until more information is available GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and whether they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal period Many studies have shown that women can continue to take their ADHD medication safely during pregnancy and breastfeeding This has led to many patients are choosing to do so and in consultation with their physician they have discovered that the benefits of maintaining their current medication far exceed any risk Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek the advice of a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant They should discuss the medication they are taking with their physician as well as the pros and cons of continuing treatment This includes nonpharmacological strategies Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant people with ADHD be aware of their symptoms and the underlying disorder and learn about treatment options and strengthen existing strategies for managing This should be a multidisciplinary effort with the GPs obstetricians and psychiatrists The pregnancy counselling should consist of the discussion of a treatment plan for both the mother and child as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration and the need for adjustments to the medication regimen