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Anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum
Ruth E Levine1, Aileen P Oandasan, Loree A Primeau
1Center of Interdisciplinary Research in Women's Health, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-0193, USA.
American Journal of Perinatology
|September 19, 2003
Summary
Anxiety disorders affect 30% of women, with symptoms often changing during pregnancy and postpartum. Understanding these changes and treatments is crucial for maternal and infant health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive psychiatry
- Perinatal mental health
Background:
- Anxiety disorders affect a significant portion of the female population.
- Pregnancy and the postpartum period can profoundly alter anxiety disorder symptoms.
- Anxiety disorders may impact pregnancy outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on the course of anxiety disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
- To provide guidelines for the management of anxiety disorders in pregnant and postpartum women.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of anxiety disorders in pregnancy and postpartum.
- Synthesis of current evidence on symptom course and treatment.
Main Results:
- Anxiety disorder presentation and severity can change significantly during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
- Evidence suggests a link between anxiety disorders and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Effective management strategies exist for pregnant and postpartum women with anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Physicians require updated knowledge on anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum.
- Appropriate counseling and management are essential for women planning pregnancy or who are pregnant.
- Further research may clarify the impact of anxiety disorders on pregnancy outcomes.