Some women have a natural longing to bear children of their own one day. It’s something innate in them and they’re the only ones who have that special gift to ultimately bring another life into this world. However, what does it mean for someone with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
According to Dr. Matthew Lorber, a psychiatrist at Lenox Hill Hospital, in New York City, “Historically, the diagnosis of ADHD was missed in school-age females since they frequently present with inattentive symptoms, as opposed to boys who can be more hyperactive and impulsive, grabbing teachers’ attention.” Lorber was not involved in the study.
“More recently, an emphasis has been put on diagnosing females with ADHD in school, causing a domino effect of more women staying on stimulants in their 20s and 30s,” he explained.
“In addition, the diagnosis of adult ADHD has gained more prevalence, further leading to women in their 20s and 30s being diagnosed and treated,” Lorber said.
In 2015, the most commonly filled ADHD medicines for this group of women were Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin, the researchers found.
Why be concerned?
According to health experts, it’s important and could mean a number of things and have exact effects on the fetus. Much concern would be due to the ADHD meds such as Ritalin or Concerta that are often taken for the disorder.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found, between 2003 and 2015, there was more than a quadrupling in the number of young adult women filling prescriptions for ADHD medications. The greatest increases were seen among women in their late 20s and early 30s (childbearing ages).
“Half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, and women may be taking prescription medicine early in pregnancy before they know they are pregnant,” said Coleen Boyle, director of the CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.
“Early pregnancy is a critical time for the developing baby. We need to better understand the safest ways to treat ADHD before and during pregnancy,” Boyle added in a CDC news release.
The researchers reported that the rate of ADHD medication use rose 700 percent among women aged 25 to 29, while it rose 560 percent among women aged 30 to 34.
Boyle said, “If a woman is pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, she should talk to her healthcare provider about all medicines she is taking. Pregnant women should also talk to their doctor before stopping or starting any medicine.”
Lorber agreed, “There are definitely risks [with ADHD meds], and further studies are needed,” he said. “But for now, pregnant women should be very cautious in using stimulants and need to consult with a doctor.”
If you or someone you know has ADHD and looking to conceive, we encourage that you seek assistance from your local healthcare provider. To find out more about ADHD, visit our Health Conditions tab on BlackDoctor.org.
SOURCES: Matthew Lorber, M.D., psychiatrist, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City; U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, news release, Jan. 18, 2018
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