Panic disorder

Abstract

Panic disorder (PD) is a relatively common psychiatric disorder and associated with high rates of psychiatric comorbidity, especially with depression in postpartum period. A worsening of panic symptoms during the postpartum period may be explained as an evolving process with increased body sensations which is sensitive to hormonal changes in women. Perinatal anxiety has been associated with higher rates of preterm labor, low birth weight, and adverse implications in terms of fetal development. In postpartum period, PD requires treatment, because it can cause a marked functional impairment and may affect the mother-infant relationship. There is no specific guideline in the literature for the treatment of postpartum PD. Guidelines for the treatment of depression during the perinatal period are often used for perinatal anxiety disorders, with the same medications. A careful risk benefit assessment is therefore required in making treatment decisions during the postpartum period.