Anxiety Disorders in Pregnant Adolescents: A Growing Concern

Strategic Insights -

Research has highlighted the vulnerability of adolescence and pregnancy in terms of anxiety and depression development or worsening. A study at Boston Children's Hospital revealed that among 318 patients with a positive pregnancy test, 42.5% had a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression. Furthermore, mental health was discussed during 62.6% of visits, with a significant association between prior diagnoses of anxiety and/or depression and the likelihood of mental health discussions. The study emphasizes the need for future research investigating patient preferences for mental health supports and strengthening of clinical programs to treat and understand anxiety/depression in this unique population.

Key Takeaways:

  • A study at Boston Children's Hospital involved a retrospective chart review of 318 patients who presented to an Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine clinic between April 2018 and March 2023 with a positive pregnancy test.
  • The study found that 42.5% of patients had a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression, with 8.8% having anxiety only, 21.4% having depression only, and 12.3% having both anxiety and depression.
  • Mental health was discussed during 62.6% of visits, with a significant association between prior diagnoses of anxiety and/or depression and the likelihood of mental health discussions.
  • The study suggests that future research should investigate patient preferences for mental health supports and strengthen clinical programs to treat and understand anxiety/depression in pregnant adolescents.
  • The research provides insight into the importance of addressing mental health concerns during pregnancy, particularly in adolescents.
  • The study highlights the need for pediatric clinicians to be trained in assessing and treating anxiety and depression in this vulnerable population.

Statistics:

  • 42.5% of patients had a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression.
  • 8.8% had anxiety only.
  • 21.4% had depression only.
  • 12.3% had both anxiety and depression.
  • 62.6% of visits included discussions on mental health.
  • 28 (8.8%) patients had anxiety.
  • 68 (21.4%) patients had depression only.
  • 39 (12.3%) patients had both anxiety and depression.

Sources:

  • Anxiety, Depression, and Mental Health Service Use Among Pregnant Adolescents/young Adults At an Urban Pediatric Hospital Based Clinic. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2025.
  • Boston Children's Hospital Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Brookline Pl, 3RD Floor, Brookline, MA 02445, United States.