• generalized anxiety disorder

    Examining the Association Between Anxiety Disorders and their Treatment in Pregnancy Outcomes

    While numerous published studies have investigated the impact of treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) in pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes, few studies have examined the perinatal effects of anxiety disorders such as generalized [...]

    Using the EPDS to Screen for Anxiety Disorders: Conceptual and Methodological Considerations

    The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was designed to screen women for postnatal depression.  Cox and Holden (2003) state that the EPDS was not designed to measure anxiety.  However, recent emphasis on the importance of recognizing symptoms of perinatal anxiety disorders, coupled with findings in research, have led to the suggestion that the EPDS may be used as a multidimensional tool to screen for anxiety disorders in addition to depression during the perinatal period (Matthey et al, 2012).

    Brief Scales for Identifying Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

    While most agree that there is a need for improved detection of anxiety and mood disorders in pregnant and postpartum women, there remain questions regarding the best instruments to use for screening.  The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (a questionnaire consisting of 10 items) has long been used to screen women for postpartum depression (PPD); however, it is unclear how well these questions could be incorporated into larger surveillance programs, such as the CDC-sponsored Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) which was designed to assess health behaviors and to screen for health problems, including depression and anxiety, in pregnant and postpartum women.

    Go to Top