Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder During Pregnancy

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.