(PS10-84) Developing a Core Outcome Set for Generalized Anxiety Disorder During the Perinatal Period: A Delphi Study

Abstract Text:

Background: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent mental health condition, affecting up to 5.7% of individuals during the perinatal period, with implications for maternal well-being, parent-infant bonding, and infant development. Despite the availability of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and lifestyle-based interventions, inconsistencies in treatment efficacy research persist due to heterogeneous outcome measurement. Most studies prioritize symptom reduction (e.g., anxiety severity) over patient-centered outcomes like daily functioning and quality of life. To address this gap, this study aims to develop a Core Outcome Set (COS)—a standardized set of treatment outcomes for perinatal GAD research to enhance comparability and clinical relevance.

Methods: This study is in progress. We conducted a scoping review which identified commonly measured outcomes in the literature. Simultaneously, we conducted focus groups with individuals with lived experience of perinatal GAD (PWLE) which highlighted treatment outcomes they find most important. The scoping review found that existing research primarily measures symptom reduction outcomes (e.g., anxiety severity), whereas PWLE emphasize well-being outcomes such as quality of life and relationship satisfaction. To bridge this gap, we will employ a Delphi methodology to establish consensus on essential treatment outcomes among three key stakeholder groups: PWLE, healthcare providers (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers), and researchers specializing in perinatal anxiety. Through multiple rounds of structured surveys, participants will rate and refine outcome importance, culminating in a consensus-driven COS.

Results & Implications: Developing a COS for perinatal GAD will enhance methodological consistency in clinical trials, improving comparability of treatment outcomes and the quality of meta-analyses. By integrating PWLE perspectives, the COS will ensure research reflects real-world needs and patient priorities. This initiative has the potential to inform treatment guidelines, advance patient-centered care, and contribute to more effective, tailored interventions for perinatal mental health.

Relevance to Cognitive-Behavioral Science & ABCT’s Mission: This study directly aligns with ABCT’s commitment to advancing behavioral health research and evidence-based clinical practice. By improving research methodologies and ensuring standardized outcome reporting, this work supports innovation in clinical research, enhances the dissemination of effective cognitive-behavioral interventions, and fosters inclusive, patient-driven mental health care. The study’s emphasis on mental health, emotional resilience, and perinatal mental well-being highlights the importance of standardized research approaches in preventing long-term mental health challenges for both parents and infants.