ABSTRACT
Other studies have proposed a more variable course of panic dis order during pregnancy, suggesting that while some pregnant women with panic disorder are relatively asymptomatic, a subgroup of women exists who may experience persistence or exacerbation of panic symp toms during pregnancy (18,19). In a retrospective study of 49 women with pregravid panic disorder, Cohen and colleagues (19) demonstrated that 20% experienced worsening panic symptoms, 20% showed im provement, and 60% of women noted no change in status during preg nancy. In this study, women with severe pregravid panic disorder typi cally failed attempts to discontinue antipanic medications. They were more likely to continue antipanic pharmacotherapy during pregnancy than women with milder forms of panic disorder.
