EFFECT OF PREGNANCY ON ANXIETY

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The proposed study is a pilot study, designed to obtain additional pilot data regarding recruitment and retention rates, effects of pregnancy on axiety, and effects of weaning on anxiety, needed for resubmission of an NIH grant application. Aim 1: To evaluate potential differential effects of pregnancy on the course and severity of anxiety symptoms in 50 women with PD, OCD or GAD. Hypothesis 1) - In subjects with subthreshold or full criteria PD, OCD, or GAD at study entry, OCD and GAD symptoms will increase during pregnancy and PD symtoms will decrease. Aim 2: To determine the extent to which lactation and weaning modulate autonomic arousal and anxiety. Hypothesis 2a) - Rapid weaning will be associated with an increase in autonomic arousal. Autonomic arousal will be represented by reductions in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (vagal tone) and vagal brake, and as an increase in systolic blood pressure. Hypothesis 2b) - Rapid weaning will be associated with worsening anxiety symptoms in women with anxiety disorders at baseline.