The Most Popular ADHD Medication And Pregnancy Experts Are Doing 3 Things
ADHD Medication and Pregnancy
Psychologists often see women who are trying to conceive or who are pregnant and worried about the effects of their ADHD medication on the baby. The good news is that research suggests that it is safe to take stimulant medications throughout the pregnancy.
The research is based on naturalistic studies that included an abundance of first-trimester expository sessions.
Pregnancy
Women are thrilled about the having a baby and expecting a baby, but they may worry about how their ADHD medication will affect their unborn child. Stimulant medications are known to have teratogenic effects and some physicians advise patients to discontinue their medication while trying to conceive or during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, many people suffering from ADHD require the benefits of their medication in order to perform in everyday life and may be unable to function without it during this time.
A study conducted in Denmark recently found that exposure to methylphenidate during the first trimester (in the form of a redeemed medication) did not seem to increase the risk of malformations that cause major damage in comparison to the control group that did not receive redeemed medication in the first trimester. The study used registry-based data from several Danish databases to determine the number of pregnant women and their medications prior to and during pregnancy including information on whether the woman was treated for ADHD.
The researchers tracked 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 in the control group that did not receive any methylphenidate or other stimulant medications in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Both groups of infants were subjected to an extensive assessment of birth defects in the heart like gastroschisis or omphalocele. The results showed that infants of women exposed to methylphenidate while in utero did not show increased rates of any of these conditions as compared to subjects. This was true for both the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.
This is a good news study that could provide comfort for women who are pregnant and take ADHD medication and might need or want to continue their treatment during pregnancy. This study did not evaluate the impact of lifestyle changes or other medications on the fetus. Other studies have demonstrated a link between stimulant medication and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as a caesarean delivery or a baby needing assistance to breathe upon birth.
Breastfeeding
Even when women with ADD or ADHD require medication to control their symptoms, they find that breastfeeding benefits their baby. It is essential that both the mother and baby are well-nourished, and the decision to breastfeed or take ADHD medication should be made in consultation with a health care provider. Based on the most recent recommendations and evidence1 that a woman does not need to stop breastfeeding in order to take the prescribed medication. Numerous studies have proven that the neurodevelopmental effects on an infant's long-term health are minimal when the mother is taking her ADHD medication according to the prescription.
Stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and methylphenidate, are often used to treat ADHD. They are available in two forms: immediate release, which lasts for 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 the best way to treat their symptoms is to take an extended-release medication in the afternoon or evening and then supplement it with a tablet that is immediate-release.
Certain medications are not compatible with breastfeeding, like clonidine, which reduces prolactin secretion and decreases production of milk. Some people suffering from ADD and ADHD aren't ready to stop nursing due to this reason, so they switch to a different stimulant medication. These medications have lower RIDs and are more likely to be covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. If you are thinking about changing your medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it is important to consult an GP or a specialist. They can give you advice on the safest medication and how to track your infant's growth and weight. They can also refer you a psychiatrist or psychologist for additional support. They can also refer to dietitians for assistance in managing diet and nutrition.
Postpartum
During pregnancy the female body undergoes immense hormonal, physical and emotional changes. For some women, the transition to parenthood can bring big feelings of happiness, 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 when she is struggling.
It can be exciting to be a parent, but it can also be overwhelming, but a new mom should not feel like she has to do everything alone. Finding the right balance can be difficult but it can be made easier by allowing yourself time to rest, taking enough sleep and eating healthy. You should also attend your postpartum check-ups, since they can detect any issues that could be present early.
The "baby blues" is a term used to describe a brief period during which some women feel depressed or anxious after the birth of their child. It is a common occurrence and tends to go away in one or two weeks. However for adhd without medication , these feelings become much more serious and last for longer. This is referred to as postpartum depression and is a condition that can be treated. If a woman had anxiety or depression in the past it is more likely to suffer from it again after having children.
In some cases women may develop postpartum psychosis, which can be extremely dangerous for both the mother and the child. It is a psychiatric crisis and should be treated immediately. The treatment could include a combination therapy and medication. A therapist who has lived experience with this illness can be particularly helpful. If the symptoms are severe electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) could be suggested.
If there is postpartum psychiasis that affects a mother, her doctor will likely prescribe an antipsychotic like Valproate or lithium along with an antidepressant such as citalopram. They might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to treat the root cause of the problem. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as nortriptyline and imipramine are occasionally employed, but they can cause adverse side effects that are difficult to manage and are typically only prescribed when other medications haven't worked.
Adolescence
Adolescence is a critical time of cognitive, physical and psychosocial growth. Adolescence is an age of rapid growth in terms of cognitive, physical and psychosocial development. Adolescents are attracted to expanding their social circles from just their family to include peers, friends and acquaintances with whom they may spend a significant amount of time at school or in other activities. Their social networks also may include members of teams in activities, student organizations, or jobs.
As we grow older, changes in brain structure and connectivity are interacted with a growing amount of knowledge, experience and social demands that change to produce rapid cognitive growth. This includes an increase in selective and divided attention (the ability to focus on a variety of stimuli simultaneously) as well as working memory and long-term memory. 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 force them to look for experiences that will make them more attractive to other individuals. This drive toward new experiences can be utilized in positive ways, such as by taking part in the school play or getting involved in a community service activity. It can also be used to take risks that are healthy like engaging in sexual activities or other risk-taking behaviors when they are in a secure and supportive environment.
Different levels of physical development could result in awkward phases of appearance as adolescents enter adolescence and also feelings of self-consciousness and anxiety about their body's changes. In certain cultures, such as those of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, adolescence can be a period when young people discover their place in relation to their clans, families and their countries, their ancestors, and their country.
Teens' relationships with their friends can be a source of support or conflict during this time. The quality of these relationships is crucial for the health of adolescents and can be a major factor in their happiness and wellbeing. The adolescent's relationship with their parents can be a source of support, especially when they are able to resolve family problems together in a non-confrontational manner.