Anesthesiologists' Role in Recognition, Prevention, and Treatment of Childbirth-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Blake D Mergler; Esther J Kim; James E Miranda; Maryam Nilforoshan; Rolf A Schlichter; Nwadiogo I Ejiogu; Caoimhe C Duffy; Reid J Mergler

doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000006889

Anesthesiologists' Role in Recognition, Prevention, and Treatment of Childbirth-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Anesth Analg. 2024 Sep 4. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000006889. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Blake D Mergler¹, Esther J Kim¹, James E Miranda¹, Maryam Nilforoshan¹, Rolf A Schlichter¹, Nwadiogo I Ejiogu¹, Caoimhe C Duffy¹, Reid J Mergler²

Affiliations

¹ From the Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care.
² Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

PMID: 39231043
DOI: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000006889

Abstract

Childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) is increasingly common and consequential for pregnant patients. Throughout the labor experience and beyond, anesthesiologists are central to creating a psychological safe space for patients and play an essential role in preventing, recognizing, and treating CB-PTSD. This narrative review summarizes the current literature surrounding risk factors for CB-PTSD that are relevant to anesthesiologists; patients' symptoms or signs anesthesiologists should look out for; and ways anesthesiologists may be involved in preventing and treating this condition.