Pregnancy-Onset Panic Disorder: Incidence, Comorbidity and Associated Factors

Abstract

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the incidence rate of pregnancy-onset panic disorder (POPD) among Turkish pregnant women using a diagnostic interview. Additionally, we examined whether the independent socio-demographic or clinical risk factors were associated with the risk of panic disorder in these women.Methods: The study sample comprised 1475 consecutive pregnant women who presented to the obstetric outpatient clinics of two research centers. The rate of POPD in these participants was 1.3% (Group 1, n=20). The 20 women with POPD were compared with 250 pregnant women without pregnancy-onset depression or anxiety (Group 2; controls). Panic disorder and other anxiety or mood disorders were determined by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Comorbid Axis II disorders were diagnosed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R Personality Disorders. Results:The incidence rate of panic disorder was 1.3% (n=20). In group 1, 55% (n=11) of the women with POPD had an additional mood or anxiety disorder. In addition, the prevalence rate of any cluster C personality disorder, including avoidant, passive-aggressive and obsessivecompulsive personality disorders, were significantly greater in the group 1 women with POPD than the control pregnant women without a panic disorder (group 2). Conclusion:The women with POPD were more likely than the controls to have a cluster C Axis II disorder and a history of a pre-existing anxiety or mood disorder.Keywords: Pregnancy, panic, comorbidity, personality ABSTRACTResearch Article

The course and clinical correlates of panic disorder during the postpartum period: a naturalistic observational study

“…[1][2][3][4] The assumption that reproductive life events may contribute to this higher prevalence in women via onset or recurrence of anxiety disorders has been supported by several studies. [5][6][7][8] Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that is frequently observed in the perinatal period. It has been reported that panic disorder during pregnancy is associated with lower birth weight and shorter gestational age.…”

Panic disorder during pregnancy: A scoping review

“…Contrary to these studies, a prospective study that was conducted in Turkey showed that the severity of panic disorder symptoms declined from pregnancy to 6 weeks after birth, which could be explained by psychosocial influences (E.g., financial problems, an increased workload, or reduced sleeping) and hormonal changes mainly estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol [ 15 ].…”

“…Therefore, the estimated prevalence of PD during pregnancy varies between studies, and it ranges from 0.2 % to 7.0 %. For example, in Sweden it was 0.2% [ 18 ], in Hungary it was 0.5% [ 19 ], in Italy it was 7.0% [ 20 ], and 1.3% among Turkish pregnant women [ 15 ]. This discrepancy in prevalence may be due to different assessment tools used by the researchers, different settings, and cultural differences.…”

“…In addition, psychological factors play an essential role in the anxiety disorders development during pregnancy, including mother's concerns over the health of the child, being able to be a good mother, the change in lifestyle, and finances [ 27 ]. Furthermore, the existence of major depression and/or any anxiety disorder at the beginning of pregnancy was a valid factor in predicting the occurrence of pregnancy-onset panic disorder during pregnancy [ 15 ].…”

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Pregnancy-Related Anxiety: A Systematic Review

“…These findings indicate that pregnancy may be a specific risk factor for the occurrence and/or exacerbation of anxiety disorders. A possible reason for the occurrence of anxiety during pregnancy could be traced back to experienced sudden changes during pregnancy, such as increased heart and respiratory rates, chest tightness, and shortness of breath (31).…”