Screening and treatment of anxiety disorders in pregnant and lactating women.

Untreated anxiety disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period may pose significant risks to the unborn fetus and interfere with a mother's ability to properly care for her newborn child. As the symptoms of anxiety disorders are often similar to those found in pregnancy, careful screening for anxiety disorders in pregnant women is essential. For women suffering from anxiety disorders during or after pregnancy, safe and effective treatment is needed. In this article, suggestions are offered for thorough assessment of anxiety disorders in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Treatment options are discussed with an emphasis on pharmacologic and cognitive-behavioral treatment.