What Is ADHD Medication And Pregnancy And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

ADHD Medication and Pregnancy

Psychiatrists are often approached by women who are trying to get a baby or are pregnant, and are concerned about the negative effects of their ADHD medication. The good news is that Research suggests that, overall, it is safe to continue taking stimulant medications during pregnancy.

The findings are based upon naturalistic studies which included a large number of first-trimester expositions.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy and the birth of a child are exciting for women, however some can worry about the impact of their ADHD medication on their unborn child. Some doctors recommend to their patients to stop taking stimulant drugs during pregnancy or when trying to get pregnant. However, many people with ADHD require the benefits of their medication to be able to function in their daily lives and may struggle without it during this time.

A recent study from Denmark discovered that the exposure to methylphenidate during the first trimester (in the form of a prescription that has been redeemed) does not appear to increase risk of major malformations as compared to a control group without prescriptions redeemed during the first trimester of pregnancy. The study utilized registry-based data from several Danish databases to determine the number of pregnant women and their medical history prior to and during pregnancy, including information on whether the woman was being treated for ADHD.

Researchers followed 898 babies whose mothers had been exposed to methylphenidate and other stimulants during the first trimester. They were compared to 1,270 babies in the control group and were not exposed to methylphenidate or any other stimulant medication during the first three months of pregnancy.

Both groups of babies underwent an extensive assessment of abnormalities in the fetal heart, such as gastroschisis or Omphalocele. The results found that the babies of women who were exposed to methylphenidate while in utero did not have higher rates of any of these disorders when compared to the subjects. This was true both for the first and second pregnancy trimesters.

I Am Psychiatry  is a promising outcome that could be a source of comfort for pregnant women who take ADHD medication and might want or require treatment throughout pregnancy. It is important to note that this study did not examine the impact of other medications or lifestyle changes on a fetus, and other studies have demonstrated an correlation between the use of stimulant medications and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as having a caesarean birth or the baby needing assistance to breathe at the time of birth.

Breastfeeding

Even when women with ADD or ADHD need to take medication to control their symptoms, they realize that breastfeeding benefits their baby. It is crucial that both the mother and baby are well-nourished, and the decision to breastfeed or use ADHD medication should be taken in consultation with a medical professional. The most current guidelines and evidence1 suggest women do not need to stop breastfeeding to take her prescribed medications. Multiple studies have shown that the neurodevelopmental impacts on the infant's health in the long run are not significant when the mother is taking her ADHD medication according to the prescription.

Stimulants are the most common medication used to treat ADHD, including methylphenidate (with brand names Ritalin and Concerta) and dexamfetamine (brand name Vyvanse). They are available in immediate-release forms that lasts up to four hours and extended-release formulations that are taken once a day in the morning. They may last up to 16 hours. Many people suffering from ADD or ADHD find that the most effective way to combat their symptoms is to supplement an extended-release medication by taking an immediate-release pill in the evening or in the afternoon.

Some medications, such as Clonidine, reduce prolactin production and are incompatible with breastfeeding. Some people with ADD or ADHD are not able to stop breastfeeding due to this reason and choose to switch their medication to another stimulant or non-stimulant like guanfacine or atomoxetine. These drugs are less likely to contain high RIDs and could be covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. If you are considering changing your medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding it is essential to speak with a GP or a specialist. They can provide you with information on the most secure medication and how to track your baby's weight and growth. They can also refer you psychologists or psychiatrists to provide additional assistance. They can also refer to a dietitian to assist with managing nutrition and diet.

Postpartum

During pregnancy, the female body experiences enormous emotional, physical and hormonal changes. The transition to motherhood can be a time of tremendous joy, excitement and affection, but also anger and anxiety for some women. This is normal and it is essential that the new mother gets help from family members and her health care provider, and/or a mental health professional if she is struggling.

The birth of a child can be exciting and a little overwhelming but there's no reason the new mom should feel as if she's all alone. Finding the right balance can be challenging, but it is possible to help by allowing yourself to relax, sleeping enough and eating properly. It is also important to attend your postpartum checkups, as they can identify any potential issues early.

Some women experience a brief bout of depression or anxiety following the birth of their child. This is often referred to as the "baby blues." This is a fairly common occurrence, and usually go away on its own within one or two weeks. Certain people experience symptoms that are more severe and last longer. This is known as postpartum depression disorder, and it is treatable. If a woman has suffered from anxiety or depression in the past it is more likely to experience the condition again after giving birth.

In certain instances, a woman may develop postpartum psychiasis. This can be extremely risky for both mother and child. It is a psychiatric emergency that must be treated immediately. The treatment can include combination of medication and therapy. A therapist with experience in this illness can be very helpful. If the symptoms are severe, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) could be suggested.

If there is postpartum psychiasis in a mother her doctor is likely to prescribe an antipsychotic medication such as lithium or Valproate and an antidepressant such as citalopram. They might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to address the root causes. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine and nortriptyline, are sometimes prescribed, but have serious adverse effects. They are usually only prescribed if other drugs have failed.

Adolescence

Adolescence is an important time for physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth. Adolescence is a period of rapid growth in terms of physical, cognitive and psychosocial development. Adolescents become interested in expanding their social circle beyond the immediate family, to include their peers, friends and acquaintances. Their social networks may also include members of teams in activities, student organizations, or jobs.

In adolescence, the biological changes in brain structure and connectivity are influenced by increasing experience, knowledge and social demands which result in rapid cognitive growth. This includes improvements in selective and divided focus (the ability of focusing on several things at the same time), working memory, and long-term memories. Additionally the ability of adolescents to think abstractly and morally improves.

These cognitive changes are accompanied by hormonal changes that make teenagers more attracted by new and intense experiences. Their hormones also cause them to seek out experiences that will increase their status in the eyes of others. This desire for new experiences can be used to gain positive results for example, by participating in an upcoming school play or getting involved in a community service activity. It can be used to take risks that are healthy for example, like investigating sexuality or other risky behavior when they are in a supportive and secure environment.

Varying levels of physical development could result in awkward phases of appearance as adolescents enter adolescence and also feelings of self-consciousness or anxiety over the changes in their bodies. In certain cultures, such as those of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, adolescence can be a time where young people are able to establish their identity in relation to their clans, families and their countries, their ancestors, and their country.

Relationships between teens and their friends can either be a source for support or conflict. The quality of these relationships is vital to the wellbeing of adolescents and is a major factor in their wellbeing and happiness. The relationships between adolescents and their parents can be a great source of support for them, particularly when they are able to resolve issues in a non-confrontational manner.