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Fear and Anxiety Disorders Related to Childbirth: Epidemiological and Therapeutic Issues

  • Anxiety Disorders (A Pelissolo, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This paper seeks to identify the risk factors of fear of childbirth (FOC) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to birth and reviews the efficacy of their respective screening tools and therapeutic interventions.

Recent Findings

Biofeedback, hypnosis, internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy, and antenatal education are promising treatments for FOC. Training midwives to address traumatic birth experiences could help in preventing PTSD. A shorter more pragmatic screening tool for FOC than the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (WDEQ) is needed. Women with PTSD attributed a mismatch between the expected mode of delivery (MOD) and the actual MOD as the cause of their trauma.

Summary

A history of mental health disorders, lack of social support, previous negative birth experiences, and MOD are correlated to FOC and postpartum PTSD. Psycho-education and CBT-based treatments have been found to reduce levels of FOC and PTSD.

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  1. Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon

    Alexandra Badaoui, Sandra Abou Kassm & Wadih Naja

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  1. Alexandra Badaoui
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  2. Sandra Abou Kassm
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  3. Wadih Naja
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Correspondence to Alexandra Badaoui.

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Badaoui, A., Kassm, S.A. & Naja, W. Fear and Anxiety Disorders Related to Childbirth: Epidemiological and Therapeutic Issues. Curr Psychiatry Rep 21, 27 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1010-7

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