The long-term course of perinatal anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
- 1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
- 2Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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 < 10), and (5) studies that synthesise existing research. Screening and data extraction will be conducted by two independent reviewers, with any conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Risk of bias will be assessed using a modified version of the Downs and Black checklist. Data will be narratively synthesised, and meta-analyses will be conducted where appropriate. Discussion: The present protocol describes the methodology for a systematic review investigating the long-term course of perinatal AAARDS. Findings will address a gap in the literature and enhance our understanding of the natural course of perinatal anxiety, which could help to inform clinical services and resource allocation. Registration: This review has been registered on PROSPERO (registration code: CRD420251073221).
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BibTeX
@article{mcguinness2026longterm,
title = {{The long-term course of perinatal anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol}},
author = {Roberta Z. J. McGuinness and Nichole Fairbrother and Fiona L. Challacombe},
journal = {PLOS One},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0356689},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0356689},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The long-term course of perinatal anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
AU - Roberta Z. J. McGuinness
AU - Nichole Fairbrother
AU - Fiona L. Challacombe
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/16
JO - PLOS One
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0356689
UR - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0356689
AB - 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 < 10), and (5) studies that synthesise existing research. Screening and data extraction will be conducted by two independent reviewers, with any conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Risk of bias will be assessed using a modified version of the Downs and Black checklist. Data will be narratively synthesised, and meta-analyses will be conducted where appropriate. Discussion: The present protocol describes the methodology for a systematic review investigating the long-term course of perinatal AAARDS. Findings will address a gap in the literature and enhance our understanding of the natural course of perinatal anxiety, which could help to inform clinical services and resource allocation. Registration: This review has been registered on PROSPERO (registration code: CRD420251073221).
SN - 1932-6203
ER -