Is there a higher prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic? A comparative study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare data on mood and anxiety disorders of pregnant women before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The study sample included 253 women evaluated on their first postpartum day during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mood and anxiety disorders were determined by the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). Data from sample was compared with data from previous study that was completed and published prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of mood and anxiety disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic was 7.1% and 13.0%, respectively. The most common specific disorder was generalized anxiety disorder (7.1%). Compared to period before the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders in the current sample was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Results of this study suggest that pregnant women may have not be under higher risk for mood and anxiety disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic.