Study of the effect of maternal panic disorders on pregnancy and its outcome

ABSTRACT

The occurrence of panic disorders during pregnancy raises a number of clinical challenges including the effects of these diseases and their treatment due to the prenatal exposure of psychotropic drugs on fetus and pregnant women. The objective of the study was to evaluate the possible association between panic disorders during pregnancy and pregnancy complications, as well as birth outcomes regarding gestational age and birth weight. A sample of fifty five women was selected from the private maternity clinics at Zagazig city. A control group of 33 pregnant women without panic disorder were included in the study. The study tools included a questionnaire sheet, concerning demographic information, life stresses and anxiety scale and maternal observation sheet until delivery and neonatal assessment using newborn weight and gestational age. The data were collected from February 2006 to the end of November 2006. The results revealed that among pregnancy complications anemia had a higher prevalence in women with panic disorder. Some pregnant women with panic disorders had a shorter gestational age and a larger proportion of preterm births. However, there was a significant difference between the two groups regarding drugs used for panic disorders. Panic disorders during pregnancy were associated with anemia, a shorter gestational age and a proportion of preterm birth. Further studies are needed to confirm and explain the effect of panic disorders during pregnancy on birth weight, gestational age and preterm birth