Anxiety Sensitivity in the Perinatal Period: A Scoping Review

Anxiety Sensitivity (AS), the trait-like tendency to interpret anxiety-related sensations as harmful, is a well-established risk factor for anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions. Less is known about the role of AS in perinatal mental health-encompassing pregnancy and the postpartum period-despite the heightened risk for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The goal of this scoping review was to examine 1) the state of research on AS in perinatal populations, 2) its relationship with mental health and pregnancy-specific outcomes, and 3) its integration into clinical interventions.

We conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, CINAHL. Study inclusion criteria were: 1) participants were pregnant or <1 year postpartum, and 2) AS was assessed.

Twenty studies met inclusion criteria. Most studies examined cross-sectional or prospective relationships between AS and mental health and related outcomes, finding positive association between AS and PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, fetal health anxiety, pregnancy-related anxiety, and fear of childbirth. Results were more mixed for aspects of pain during labor (e.g., anesthetic consumption). Two Randomized Clinical Trials and two case studies included AS as an outcome measure.

This review extends previous findings in the general population by highlighting associations between AS and perinatal mental health. Future research should expand the breadth scope of outcomes assessed and investigate AS as a modifiable target in interventions to enhance perinatal mental health outcomes.