ADHD Medications During Pregnancy: What We Know About Long-Term Effects on Children

Last Update: August 23, 2024 | 2 min read

As more women of reproductive age are using ADHD medications, it's crucial to understand the potential risks these medications might pose during pregnancy. While we have some information about the risk of birth defects, we know much less about how these medications might affect a child’s long-term development. A recent large-scale study from Denmark sheds some light on this issue, providing valuable insights for women with ADHD who are pregnant or considering pregnancy.

What the Study Found

The Danish study looked at over 1 million children born between 1998 and 2015, including 898 children whose mothers continued taking ADHD medications during pregnancy and 1,270 children whose mothers stopped taking these medications before becoming pregnant. The study also included a comparison group of over 1 million children whose mothers had never taken ADHD medications (Bang Madsen et al., 2023).

The study found no significant increase in the risk of developmental disorders in children who were exposed to ADHD medications in the womb compared to those whose mothers stopped taking the medications before pregnancy. This includes risks for conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, visual or auditory impairments, seizure disorders, and growth issues (Bang Madsen et al., 2023).

Why This Matters

This information is reassuring for women with ADHD who are concerned about the potential long-term effects of taking ADHD medications during pregnancy. While the study did not find an increased risk of developmental disorders, it’s important to note that the research grouped all ADHD medications together. Most of the women in the study used methylphenidate (the active ingredient in medications like Ritalin), and fewer women used other ADHD medications, such as amphetamines or atomoxetine. Because of this, the findings are most applicable to methylphenidate and may not fully apply to other ADHD medications (Bang Madsen et al., 2023).

Takeaways for Women Considering Pregnancy

For women with ADHD, maintaining mental health stability during pregnancy is essential. This study provides reassuring evidence that continuing ADHD medications during pregnancy does not significantly increase the risk of developmental disorders in children. However, because not all ADHD medications were equally represented in the study, it's important to have a conversation with your healthcare provider about your specific medication and situation.

As research continues, we hope to learn more about the effects of different ADHD medications on long-term child development. In the meantime, these findings offer a measure of reassurance for women with ADHD who are planning a pregnancy or are currently pregnant.

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Finding Focus Care Team

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References

Bang Madsen, K., Robakis, T. K., Liu, X., Momen, N., Larsson, H., Dreier, J. W., Kildegaard, H., Groth, J. B., Newcorn, J. H., Hove Thomsen, P., Munk-Olsen, T., & Bergink, V. (2023). In utero exposure to ADHD medication and long-term offspring outcomes. Molecular Psychiatry, 28, 9-16.