According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Report, more women aged 15-44 years who have prescription drug coverage are using medication for ADHD. In the United States, women between 15-44 with insurance coverage who fill prescriptions have increased 344 % from 2003-2023. More info?
From 0.9 to 4.0% of all women sought prescriptions at outpatient pharmacies during this period. The largest rise in ADHD medication prescriptions was among 25-29 year old women. There was an increase of 560% among 30-34-year-olds. It was the same pattern in every geographical location. Although the effects of this medicine on pregnancies are unknown, they do not appear to be harmful.
Coleen Girlle, director at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (CDC), states that in the United States, about half of all pregnancy is not planned. The mothers may take their ADHD medication early in pregnancy when it’s a crucial time for the fetus. They may even be unaware that they are pregant and take the medication. Treatment of ADHD is important before and after pregnancy, to minimize negative outcomes.
ADHD can affect adults and children
ADHD is a disorder that affects an individual’s concentration and their ability to regulate impulsive behaviors. It’s common to diagnose ADHD in children but can last into adulthood. According to National Resource Center on ADHD’s statistics, 4.4% of U.S.adults are diagnosed with ADHD. According to the National Resource Center on ADHD, 4.4 percent of U.S. adults have ADHD.
Researchers believe that taking stimulant medicines can greatly help with ADHD. As the effects are yet unknown on expecting mothers they must be extremely cautious. Women who already take stimulant medications and find that they are expecting should get immediate help.
Medications commonly prescribed for ADHD
In 2015, according to CDC data, ADHD medications were prescribed frequently for three drugs – lisdexamfetamine methylphenidate and amphétamines. All of these medications are stimulants. They even advise women to speak with their doctors before beginning this regimen. These are drugs that fall into the pregnancy Category “C” which is a category of medications with a negative outcome in animal research and little data on human efficacy. But due to potential benefits, these medicines are prescribed for pregnant women before assessing any possible risks.