CANNABIS USE AND ANXIETY DISORDERS DURING PREGNANCY - DUAL DISORDER TO DUAL PATIENTS

Objectives From clinical cases of patients observed in Perinatal Psychiatry - Setúbal Hospital Center (Portugal), we conducted a review of the impact of both cannabis use and anxiety disorders during pregnancy. Methods and material Case reports and literature review of PubMed for cannabis use, anxiety disorders and pregnancy. Results and conclusions In Outpatient Perinatal Psychiatry we observed women with anxiety disorders who reported using cannabis during pregnancy. Indeed, pregnancy is a highly vulnerable period to the onset or worsening of previous anxiety symptoms. Anxiety disorders may adversely impact not only the mother, but also fetal maturation and child development. In fact, preterm labor and low birth weight are consistently linked with anxiety during pregnancy. Recent studies reveal a general increase in the use of cannabis during pregnancy, representing the most commonly used illicit drug during the perinatal period. The endocannabinoid system appears to be involved in the regulation of human fertility and pregnancy. Although still conflicting, there is data demonstrating that cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with stillbirth, preterm birth, small for gestational age, low birth weight, smaller head circumferences and increased admission to neonatal intensive care units. The use of cannabis during pregnancy is frequently a way to improve symptoms of anxiety disorders. All patients should be screened to substance use comorbid to other frequent psychiatric disorders during pregnancy, such as anxiety disorders, in order to improve the health and well-being not only of the mother, but also of the developing baby, as a dual disorder has a negative effect in both individuals.