ADHD Medication and Pregnancy
Psychiatrists are often approached by women who are trying to have a baby or are pregnant, and are concerned about the consequences of their ADHD medication. There's good news: Research suggests that, overall it is safe to continue taking stimulant medications during pregnancy.
The findings are based upon naturalistic studies which included many first-trimester expositions.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy and a new baby are exciting for women, however many are concerned about the impact of their ADHD medication on their child who is yet to be born. Some physicians advise their patients to stop taking stimulant medications during pregnancy or when trying to conceive. However, many people with ADHD require the benefits of their medication to perform in everyday life and may be unable to function without it during this time.
A recent study from Denmark found that exposure to methylphenidate in the first trimester (in the form of a prescription redeemed) does not seem to increase the risk of major malformations when compared to a control group without redeemed prescriptions in the first trimester of pregnancy. The study utilized registry data from Danish databases to identify pregnant woman and their medication history, including whether they were treated for ADHD.
The researchers tracked 898 babies born to mothers who were exposed to methylphenidate or other stimulants in the first trimester of pregnancy. They were compared with 1,270 babies in the control group and were not exposed to methylphenidate or any other stimulant medication in the first three months of pregnancy.
Both groups of babies were examined for neurodevelopmental disorders of the psychiatric kind and other neurodevelopmental disorders growth impairments, as well as fetal heart problems (such as gastroschisis, omphalocele or transverse limb deficiency). The results revealed that infants of women exposed to methylphenidate in utero did not have higher rates of any of these conditions compared to the subjects. This was the case for the first and second trimesters.
This is a promising result that can comfort pregnant women who take ADHD medication and may want or need to continue their treatment throughout the pregnancy. This study did not evaluate the effects of lifestyle changes or other medications on a fetus. Other studies have shown the connection between stimulant medications and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as a caesarean birth or a baby needing assistance to breathe upon birth.
Breastfeeding
Even when women who suffer from ADD or ADHD need to take medication to control their symptoms, they realize that breastfeeding helps their baby. The mother and baby must be well-nourished. Therefore the decision about whether to breastfeed or take ADHD medications should be taken with the assistance of a medical professional. Based on the most recent guidelines and research1, a woman doesn't need to stop breastfeeding in order to take her prescribed medication. Multiple studies have shown that the neurodevelopmental effects on an infant's long-term health are minimal when a mother is taking her ADHD medication according to the prescription.
Stimulants are among the most popular medication used to treat ADHD such as methylphenidate (with brand names Ritalin and Concerta) and dexamfetamine (brand name Vyvanse). They come in two forms: immediate-release that lasts for up to four hours; and extended-release which is taken daily in the morning, and can last for up to 16 hours. Many people suffering from ADD or ADHD find that the best method to treat their symptoms is to take an extended-release medicine in the afternoon or evening and then follow it up with an immediate-release tablet.
Some medications are not suitable for breastfeeding, such as clonidine, a drug that reduces prolactin levels and lowers milk production. Some people suffering from ADD or ADHD do not want to stop breastfeeding due to this reason. They decide to switch their medication to another stimulant or a non-stimulant, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine. These drugs are less likely to have high RIDs and could be covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. If you're thinking of changing your medication during your pregnancy or while breastfeeding it is essential to talk to an GP or a specialist. They can give you guidance on the most safest medications and ways to monitor your baby's weight and growth. They can also refer you a psychiatrist or psychologist to provide additional assistance. They may also refer you to dietitians to assist in managing nutrition and diet.
Postpartum
During pregnancy, women go through immense physical, hormonal and emotional changes. For some women who are expecting, the transition can bring big feelings of excitement, joy and love, but also frustration or sadness. This is normal and it is essential to ensure that the new mom receives help from family members as well as her health care provider and/or an expert in mental health in case she is struggling.
It's thrilling to be a parent, but it can also be overwhelming but a new mother shouldn't feel like she must do it all by herself. Finding the right balance can be difficult but it can be made easier by allowing yourself to rest, getting enough sleep and eating healthy. It is also important to schedule your postpartum checkups, as they can identify any potential issues early on.
The "baby blues" is a term used to describe a brief time in which women experience anxiety or depression after the birth of their baby. This is a normal occurrence that tends to go away by itself within around a week. However for some, these symptoms become more severe and last for longer. This is called postpartum depressive disorder and is treatable. If a woman had depression or anxiety in the past, she is more likely to experience the condition again after giving birth.
In her latest blog can develop postpartum psychosis, which can be extremely dangerous for both the mother and the child. This is a mental health issue which should be treated as soon as possible. Treatment could consist of the use of medications and therapy. A therapist with experiences with this condition can be extremely helpful. If the symptoms are severe, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) could be suggested.
In the case of an episode of postpartum psychiasis in a mom, her doctor will likely prescribe an antipsychotic such as Valproate or lithium as well as a mood stabilizer like citalopram. They will also likely recommend a course of cognitive behavioral therapy to treat the root causes. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine or nortriptyline are sometimes utilized, but they can also have difficult side effects and are usually only prescribed when other medications have not worked.
Adolescence
Adolescence is an important time for cognitive, physical, and psychosocial growth. Adolescence is an age of rapid growth in terms of cognitive, physical and psychosocial development. Adolescents develop an interest in expanding their social circle from just their family, to include peers, friends and acquaintances with whom they may spend a lot of time at school or participating in other activities. Their social circle could also include people from student organizations as well as team sports or jobs.
As we grow older, changes in brain structure and connectivity can be correlated with increased knowledge, experience and social demands that change to trigger rapid cognitive growth. This includes improvement in selective and divided attention (the ability to focus on multiple stimuli at once) working memory, as well as long-term memory. Furthermore, the ability of adolescents of thinking abstractly and morally also improves.
These cognitive changes are associated by hormonal changes that make teenagers more attracted to thrilling and exciting experiences. Their hormones also force them to seek out experiences which will elevate their status to other people. The desire to explore new things can be used in a positive way, for example by participating in a school production. It can also be used to take risks that are healthy like exploring sexual activities or other risk-taking behaviors in the event that they are in a safe and secure environment.
The various levels of physical growth could cause awkward stages in adolescence and feelings of anxiety or self-consciousness about the changes in their bodies. In some cultures, such as those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, adolescents could be a time in which young people establish their identity in relation to their families, clans, nations, ancestors and their country.
Relationships between teens and their friends can be a source of support or conflict. The quality of these relationships is important to the health of adolescents and is a major factor in their happiness and well-being. The relationships between adolescents and parents can be a wonderful source of support for them, especially when they are able to work out problems in a non-confrontational way.