The effects of pregnancy on preexisting panic disorder.

BACKGROUND

Limited evidence suggests that pregnancy may be associated with a reduction of panic and related symptoms. The authors investigate reported changes in panic symptoms during pregnancy.

METHOD

Questionnaires asking about changes in panic and phobic avoidance symptoms during pregnancy were mailed to 129 women who had previously participated in our Anxiety Disorders Program over a 5-year period; all had diagnoses of panic disorder by DSM-III-R criteria. Reported here are responses from 22 of the women who experienced pregnancy after the onset of panic disorder.

RESULTS

A majority of women (14 of 22) reported a decrease in panic symptoms during pregnancy, but significant variability in this phenomenon occurs between and within individuals.

CONCLUSION

A subpopulation of women may experience improvement in panic symptoms during pregnancy, which has implications for management of these patients. Further research is needed to verify the existence of such a subpopulation and to determine an etiology.