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 their child. The good news is that research suggests that it is safe to take stimulant medication during pregnancy.
The research is based on naturalistic studies which included a large number of first-trimester expository sessions.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy and the birth of a child are exciting times for women, however some can worry about the effects of their ADHD medication on their baby. The stimulant medications are known to have negative teratogenic effects. Some doctors advise patients to discontinue their medication when trying to conceive or during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, many people suffering from ADHD require the benefits of their medication to function in daily life and may be unable to function without it during this period.
A recent study from Denmark discovered that the exposure to methylphenidate in the first trimester (in the form of a prescription redeemed) does not seem to increase the risk of major malformations compared to a control group without prescriptions that were redeemed in the first trimester of pregnancy. The study used registry information from Danish databases to identify pregnant women and their medication history, including whether they were treated for ADHD.
The researchers tracked a total of 898 babies born to mothers exposed to methylphenidate and other stimulants in the initial trimester of pregnancy. They were compared to 1,270 babies in the control group that were not exposed to stimulant medication, such as methylphenidate, in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Both groups of infants were subjected to an extensive examination for abnormalities in the fetal heart, such as gastroschisis or Omphalocele. The results showed that infants born to mothers who were exposed to methylphenidate during pregnancy did not have any increased rates contrasted with the controls. adhd without medication was the case for the first and second trimesters.
This is a good news study that could provide comfort for women who are pregnant and take ADHD medication and may require or want to continue their treatment during pregnancy. It is important to remember that the study did not evaluate the effects of other medications or lifestyle changes on the fetus and that other studies have shown an connection between the use of stimulants and adverse pregnancy outcomes, like having a caesarean birth or the baby needing support to breathe upon the time of birth.
Breastfeeding
Many women who have ADD or ADHD find that breastfeeding is beneficial for their baby, even when they need to take medication to manage their symptoms. It is essential that the mother and infant are well-nourished, and the decision to breastfeed or use ADHD medication should be taken in consultation with a medical professional. The most current recommendations and evidence1 suggest that women do not need to discontinue breastfeeding to take her prescribed medications. Numerous studies have shown that the long-term neurodevelopmental effects for the baby are not significant if the mother takes her ADHD medications according to the prescription.
Stimulants such as methylphenidate and dexamfetamine are commonly used to treat ADHD. They are available in two forms: immediate release, that lasts for up to four hours; and extended release, which is taken once daily in the morning, and can last up to sixteen hours. Many people with ADD or ADHD find the best way to treat their symptoms is to take an extended-release medication in the evening or afternoon and then follow it up with an immediate-release tablet.
Certain medications, such as Clonidine, can reduce prolactin levels and are incompatible with breastfeeding. Some people with ADD or ADHD do not want to stop breastfeeding due to this reason and choose to change their medication to a different stimulant or a non-stimulant, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine. These medications are less likely have high RIDs and could be covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. If you are thinking about changing your medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it is important to consult an GP or specialist. They can give advice on the most safest medication to use and how to monitor the baby's weight and growth. The GP or specialist can also help with the referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist to receive additional assistance. adhd no medication can also refer you to a dietitian who can assist in nutrition and diet.
Postpartum
During pregnancy the female body goes through enormous emotional, physical and hormonal changes. The transition to motherhood can bring immense joy, excitement, and affection, but also anger and anxiety for some women. This is normal and it is crucial that the new mother gets help from family members and her health care provider and/or a mental health professional if she is struggling.
Being a mother can be thrilling and overwhelming, however there's no reason the new mom should feel that she has to do it all alone. Finding the right balance can be difficult but you can help yourself by taking time to rest and sleep well. It is also essential to go to your postpartum checkups as they can identify any potential issues early on.
Some women experience a brief period of depression or anxiety after the birth of their child. This is called the "baby blues." It is a common occurrence that usually goes away on its own in about a week. However, for some, these feelings can become more serious and last longer. This is known as postpartum depressive disorder, and it is a treatable condition. If a woman has experienced anxiety or depression in the past the birth of her child, she is at an increased risk of developing it again following the birth of her child.
In a few instances women may suffer from postpartum psychosis, which can be extremely dangerous for both the mother and the child. This is a psychiatric crisis that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. The treatment can include combination of therapy and medication. A therapist who has had experiences with this condition can be particularly helpful. If the symptoms are severe electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) could be suggested.
If mother suffering from an episode of postpartum psychosis, her doctor will probably prescribe an antipsychotic medication like lithium or valproate and a mood stabilizer such as citalopram. They may also suggest a course of cognitive behavioral therapy to treat the underlying issues. Tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline and imipramine are occasionally used but they can have challenging side effects and so are usually only prescribed when other medications have not been effective.
Adolescence
Adolescence is an important time for physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth. It is a time of transition from dependence on parents to independence in making decisions and taking action in the world around them. Adolescents begin to consider expanding their social circle beyond their immediate family to include their friends, peers, and acquaintances. Their social circle could also comprise members of student groups and team sports, as well as jobs.
In adolescence, the biological changes in brain structure and connectivity are interacted with increased experience, knowledge and social demands that change to create rapid cognitive growth. This includes improvements in divided and selective attention (the ability to concentrate on a variety of stimuli simultaneously), working memory and long-term memory. In addition adolescents' ability to think abstractly and morally increases.
These cognitive changes are caused by hormonal changes that cause adolescents to be more attracted by new and challenging experiences. The hormones in their bodies also cause them to seek out experiences which will make them more attractive to other people. The desire to try new things can be utilized to benefit others such as by taking part in a school production. It can also be used to take risks that are healthy like exploring sexual activities or other risk-taking behaviors when they are in a secure and secure environment.
Variable rates of physical development may result in awkward phases of appearance in adolescence as well as feelings of self-consciousness or anxiety over the changes in their bodies. In some cultures, like those of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, adolescence is a time when young people are able to establish their identity in relation to their families, clans and their countries and their ancestors as well as their country.
non stimulant adhd medication between teens and friends can either be a source of support or conflict. These relationships are crucial for the health of adolescents and can have a significant impact on their happiness and wellbeing. The relationships between adolescents and their parents can be a wonderful source of support for them, particularly if they are able to resolve issues in a non-confrontational way.