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Anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder 9 months after perinatal loss

Katherine J Gold1, Martha E Boggs2, Maria Muzik3

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, 1018 Fuller Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1213; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1018 Fuller Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1213.

General Hospital Psychiatry
|October 13, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Mothers experiencing perinatal loss face higher risks of generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia in the first year. Early identification and treatment are crucial for their mental health.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal mental health
  • Reproductive psychiatry
  • Maternal psychology

Background:

  • Perinatal loss affects 1-2% of US births, causing significant parental distress.
  • Anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are common mental health concerns in mothers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of anxiety disorders and OCD in mothers who experienced perinatal loss compared to those with live births.

Main Methods:

  • A survey of 609 mothers in Michigan, 9 months post-delivery, assessed mental health symptoms.
  • Validated self-report screens measured generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, and OCD.
  • Data included maternal demographics, psychiatric history, social support, and intimate partner violence.

Main Results:

  • Bereaved mothers (377) showed higher odds of generalized anxiety disorder (OR: 2.39) and social phobia (OR: 2.32) compared to live-birth mothers (232).
  • No significant difference was found for panic disorder or OCD between groups after adjusting for covariates.
  • Higher odds of all four disorders were observed in unadjusted analyses for bereaved mothers.

Conclusions:

  • Mothers experiencing perinatal loss exhibit higher rates of clinically significant anxiety disorders within the first year.
  • Improved identification and treatment strategies are essential for supporting the mental well-being of this vulnerable population.
Abstract

Keywords:
Anxiety disordersGADInfant deathOCDPerinatal deathStillbirth

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