Pregnancy and delivery complications and treatment approach in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Evrim Aktepe1, Evrim Ozkorumak, Sema Tanriöver-Kandil

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey.

Pregnancy, delivery complications and treatment approach were evaluated in 153 cases diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the State Hospital of Antalya in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Polyclinic. Most of the cases had been delivered vaginally (74.5%). The most frequent delivery complication was asphyxia/hypoxia (15.6%). The agent most frequently preferred in the treatment regimen was methylphenidate (82.4%), which is a psychostimulant. The other drugs used were risperidone (29.4%), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (16.4%) and imipramine (4.6%). The most frequent side effect resulting from methylphenidate use was a decrease in appetite (34.9%). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often presents with comorbid disorders; in these cases, nonstimulant agents had to be added to methylphenidate for better treatment outcomes. Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in combined treatment and in cases with comorbidities is in agreement with the literature. Further studies of combined treatment regimens in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are needed.

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders01:24

Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders

Treatment approaches for psychological disorders fall into three main categories: psychological, biological, and sociocultural. Each approach targets different aspects of mental health, requiring varying levels of education and training.
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...