Management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder During Pregnancy

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2018 Sep;45(3):495-509. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2018.04.010.

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder affecting 3.2% of women. More women are taking psychostimulant medications, including during pregnancy. Although stimulant use does not appear to be associated with congenital malformations, there are inconsistent data about other obstetric risks, and no long-term neurodevelopmental data exist to inform clinical management decisions. This article summarizes the available data regarding perinatal exposure to psychostimulants. It also highlights the importance of the risk-risk analysis for clinicians and patients to consider, weighing risks of medication exposure to risks of ADHD during pregnancy, including driving safety and major impairment in occupational roles.

Keywords: Amphetamines; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Methylphenidate; Pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / complications*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / physiopathology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / therapy*
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methylphenidate / therapeutic use*
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / physiopathology
  • Pregnancy Complications / psychology*
  • Pregnancy Complications / therapy
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Methylphenidate