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Anxiety disorders in pregnancy

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Abstract

There is now growing realization that many women suffer from new onset or worsening of anxiety disorders during pregnancy. Studies of anxiety symptoms in pregnancy show that a significant portion of women are affected. Anxiety symptoms in pregnancy have been associated with adverse fetal and infant outcomes. Furthermore, having an anxiety disorder during pregnancy is one of the strongest risk factors for postnatal depression. Although the literature on treating anxiety disorders in pregnancy per se is sparse, response to standard treatment is good. The risk of teratogenicity with pharmacotherapy must be considered, but it can be minimized by judicious tapering and cessation of medication during high-risk periods.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, J Block, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7935, South Africa

    Bavanisha Vythilingum

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  1. Bavanisha Vythilingum
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Correspondence to Bavanisha Vythilingum.

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Vythilingum, B. Anxiety disorders in pregnancy. Curr Psychiatry Rep 10, 331–335 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-008-0053-y

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