The long-term course of perinatal anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Roberta Z J McGuinness, Nichole Fairbrother and Fiona L Challacombe

PLOS ONE, 2026, vol. 21, issue 9, 1-7

Abstract: Background: The perinatal period represents a high-risk period for anxiety, with symptoms of anxiety associated with a range of adverse outcomes for birthing people and children. Previous reviews have assessed the prevalence of anxiety during the perinatal period. However, the long-term course of perinatal anxiety remains unclear. This review protocol aims to investigate the long-term, natural course of anxiety symptoms, anxiety disorders, and anxiety-related disorders (AAARDS) among birthing people. Methods: A systematic review and, if appropriate, meta-analysis will be conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Search terms will be applied to the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Inclusion criteria will be: (1) prevalence of AAARDS assessed at least once during the perinatal period and at ≥24 months post-birth, (2) AAARDS assessed using a validated measure and/or diagnostic interview, (3) full-text available online. Exclusion criteria will be: (1) grey literature, (2) qualitative, interventional, or animal studies, (3) studies with a selected sample, (4) studies with a small sample size (N

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0356689

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0356689

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