Anxiety following miscarriage and the subsequent pregnancy: a review of the literature and future directions.
OBJECTIVE
This is the first comprehensive review to summarize the research literature regarding anxiety symptomatology and disorders following miscarriage.


METHODS
Both "controlled" and "uncontrolled" designs are considered, with the inferential limitations of studies lacking comparison groups highlighted.


RESULTS
The limited research available suggests that miscarrying women are at increased risk for anxiety symptoms immediately following miscarriage and continuing until approximately 4 months post-loss. Beyond 4 months, reports are inconsistent. There is evidence to suggest increased risk for some anxiety disorders in the 6 months following loss; however, studies using larger sample sizes and comparison groups are needed.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first review to consider the incidence of anxiety disorders following miscarriage, as well as the psychological impact of loss on the pregnancy subsequent to miscarriage, and the impact on partners of miscarrying women. Areas warranting further study are noted and are intended to guide future investigation.
Department of Psychology, Drexel University, 245 North 15th Street, Mail Stop 515, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA. pg27@drexel.edu
Pamela A
PA
Geller
Danielle
D
Kerns
Claudia M
CM
Klier
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000523:psychology*; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors