Panic disorder during pregnancy

Abstract

Panic disorder is common in women during the childbearing years. The few and conflicting reports regarding the course of panic disorder during pregnancy underscore the need for prospective studies in this area. This paper reviews possible ways in which pregnancy-induced physiological and psychological changes, life stress, and increases in hormones, especially progesterone, may affect anxiety and panic symptoms. The management of panic disorder and the use of antipanic medication during pregnancy are discussed.