5 ADHD Medication And Pregnancy Lessons Learned From Professionals

ADHD Medication and Pregnancy

Psychologists often see women who are trying to conceive or are expecting and worried about the impact of their ADHD medication on their baby. The good news is that research suggests it is safe to take stimulant drugs during pregnancy.

The findings are based upon naturalistic studies with a large sample of first-trimester exposures.

Pregnancy

Women are thrilled about the having a baby and expecting babies, but they may worry about the way their ADHD medication will affect their child's birth. Some physicians recommend to their patients to stop taking stimulant drugs during pregnancy or when trying to get pregnant. However, many people suffering from ADHD require the benefits of their medication in order to perform in everyday life and may struggle without it during this period.

A recent study from Denmark discovered that exposure to methylphenidate in the first trimester (in the form a redemption medication) did not appear to increase the risk of malformations that cause major damage when compared to the control group that didn't receive redeemed medications in the first trimester.  non stimulant adhd medication  used registry data from Danish databases to determine the gender of the pregnant women and their medication history and whether they had been treated for ADHD.

The researchers monitored a total of 898 babies born to mothers who were exposed to methylphenidate and other stimulants in the first trimester of pregnancy. They were compared to 1,270 babies who were part of the group of control and did not receive methylphenidate, or any other stimulant medication in the first three months of pregnancy.

Both groups of infants were examined for neurodevelopmental disorders of the psychiatric kind and other neurodevelopmental disorders, growth impairments, and fetal heart defects (such as gastroschisis, omphalocele or transverse limb deficiency). The results found that the infants of women exposed to methylphenidate in utero did not show increased rates of any of these conditions as compared to control group. This was true for the first and second pregnancy trimesters.

This is a positive result that could be comforting for women who are pregnant and take ADHD medication and may need or desire to continue their treatment throughout pregnancy. This study did not evaluate the impact of lifestyle changes or other medications on the pregnant fetus. Other studies have demonstrated the connection between stimulant medications and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as a caesarean birth, or a baby needing assistance to breathe upon birth.

Breastfeeding

Many women who have ADD or ADHD find that breastfeeding is beneficial for their baby even if they have to take medication to alleviate their symptoms. The mother and child should be healthy and well-nourished. Therefore, the decision whether to breastfeed or use ADHD medications should be made with the help of a healthcare provider. Based on the most recent guidelines and research1 women don't have to stop breastfeeding in order to take her prescribed medication. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the neurodevelopmental impacts on the infant's long-term health are minimal when the mother takes 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 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 up to 16 hours. Many people who have ADD or ADHD find that the best way to combat their symptoms is to supplement an extended-release medication with an immediate-release pill in the evening or in the afternoon.

Certain medications, such as Clonidine, decrease prolactin production and are incompatible with breastfeeding. Certain people suffering from ADD and ADHD do not want to stop nursing due to this reason, so they choose to switch to a different stimulant medication. These medications are less likely to contain high RIDs and could be covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. It is important to speak with an GP or a specialist if are considering changing your medication during your pregnancy, breastfeeding, or early postpartum. They can provide advice about the most secure medication and the best way to monitor your infant's weight and growth. They can also refer you psychologists or psychiatrists for additional support. They may also refer you to a dietitian for assistance with nutrition and diet.

Postpartum

During pregnancy, women go through massive physical, hormonal, and emotional changes. For some women experiencing the transition to motherhood can bring big feelings of excitement, joy and love, but also frustration and sadness, or even anxiety. This is normal and it is important that the mother receives assistance from her family as well as her health care provider and/or a mental health professional in case she is experiencing difficulties.

It's thrilling to have a child, but it can also be overwhelming, but a new mom shouldn't feel that she has to do everything by herself. Finding the right balance can be difficult but it can be helped by allowing yourself the time to rest, taking enough sleep and eating healthy. It is also crucial to go to your postpartum checkups since they will be able to identify any potential issues early.

The "baby blues" is the term used to describe a brief period during which some women experience anxiety or depression after the birth of their baby. This is a very common occurrence, and usually disappear by itself within about a week or two. Some people experience feelings that are more severe and last longer. This is known as postpartum depression disorder, and it is treatable. If a woman has had depression or anxiety before the birth of her child, she is at an increased risk of developing it after the birth of her child.

In rare instances, women can develop postpartum psychiasis. This is extremely risky for both mother and child. This is a mental health issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Treatment can consist of an amalgamation of medication and therapy. A therapist who has experience with this type of illness could be beneficial. If the symptoms are severe electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy may be suggested.

In the event of postpartum psychiasis in a mother who is pregnant, the doctor will likely prescribe an antipsychotic medication such as Valproate or lithium along with an antidepressant such as citalopram. They may also suggest the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy to treat the underlying issues. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine or nortriptyline are sometimes used but they can have difficult side effects and are generally only prescribed if other medications have not been effective.

Adolescence

Adolescence is an important period of cognitive, physical and psychosocial development. It is a time of transition from dependency on parents to independence in making decisions and taking action in the world around them. Adolescents begin to take an interest in expanding their social circle beyond just their family, to include friends, peers and acquaintances with whom they spend a lot of time at school or participating in other activities. Their social circle could also include members of student organizations as well as team sports or jobs.

As we grow older, changes in brain structure and connectivity can be correlated with increased experience, knowledge and social demands that change to produce rapid cognitive growth. This includes improvement in selective and divided attention (the ability to concentrate on a variety of stimuli simultaneously) as well as working memory and long-term memory. Additionally adolescents' ability to think abstractly and morally increases.

These cognitive changes are accompanied by hormonal changes that make teenagers more attracted to new and challenging experiences. The hormones in their bodies also cause them to look for experiences that will elevate their status to other individuals. This drive toward new experiences can be used to gain positive results for example, by taking part in a school play or becoming involved in a community service activity. It is also a way to take risks that are healthy in investigating sexuality or other risk-taking behaviours as long as they are in a supportive and secure environment.

Different levels of physical development could result in awkward phases of appearance in adolescence and also feelings of self-consciousness and anxiety about their body's changes. In some cultures, like those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the adolescent years can be a time where young people establish their identity in relation to their clans, families and nations, as well as their ancestors, tribes, and country.

Relationships between teens and their friends can be a source of support or conflict. The quality of these relationships is crucial for the health of adolescents and is an important element in their happiness and wellbeing. The relationships between adolescents and their parents can be a great source of assistance for them, especially when they are able to work out problems in a non-confrontational manner.