The relative contributions of negative cognitions and self-efficacy to severity of panic attacks in panic disorder
- Authors: Richards, Jeffrey , Pier, Ciaran
- Date: 2002
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Behaviour Change Vol. 19, no. 2 (2002), p. 102-111
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- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the degree to which fearful and catastrophic cognitions, and self-efficacy for managing panic predicted various panic attack characteristics in panic disorder. The cognitive variables consisted of anxiety sensitivity, the frequency of fearful agoraphobic cognitions and measures of catastrophic misinterpretation of symptoms. The panic parameters were number and severity of panic symptoms, distress associated with panic attacks, worry about future panics, duration of panic disorder, and life interference due to panic disorder. These variables were measured in 40 people with panic disorder, 31 of whom also had significant agoraphobia. The frequency of fearful agoraphobic cognitions was the strongest predictor of panic attack symptomatology, predicting number of symptoms, symptom severity and degree of anticipatory fear of panic. Catastrophic misinterpretation of symptoms and anxiety sensitivity did not independently predict any panic parameters. Only self-efficacy for managing the rapid build-up of panic symptoms was specifically related to panic severity. The results therefore suggest that cognitive behaviour therapy for panic symptoms in panic disorder should reduce fearful cognitions rather than focus on panic coping strategies. The results offer little support for the contribution of the expectancy or catastrophic misinterpretation theories to the maintenance of panic disorder.
- Description: 2003000074
The influence of unrealistic optimism on event anxiety
- Authors: Aucote, Helen
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Psychology Vol. 39, no. 5-6 (Oct-Dec 2004), p. 378-378
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- Description: C1
Psychological morbidity and quality of life in women with advanced breast cancer : A cross-sectional survey
- Authors: Grabsch, Brenda , Clarke, David , Love, Anthony , McKenzie, Dean , Snyder, Raymond , Bloch, Sidney , Smith, Graeme , Kissane, David
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Palliative & Supportive Care Vol. 4, no. 1 (2006), p. 47-56
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- Description: Objective: Our purpose was to determine the frequency of psychiatric morbidity and to assess the quality of life of women with advanced breast cancer. Methods: The 227 women in the sample were recruited in Melbourne, Australia, and were interviewed (prior to intervention) for a randomized controlled trial of supportive-expressive group therapy. The main outcome measures were DSM-IV psychiatric diagnoses plus quality of life data based on the EORTC QLQ-C30 (core) and QLQ-BR23 (breast module) instruments. Results: Forty-two percent of the women (97/227) had a psychiatric disorder; 35.7% (81) of these had depression or anxiety or both. Specific diagnoses were minor depression in 58 women (25.6%), major depression in 16 (7%), anxiety disorder in 14 (6.2%), and phobic disorder in 9 (4%). Seventeen (7.5%) women had more than one disorder. In terms of quality of life, one-third felt less attractive, one-quarter were dissatisfied with their body image, and, in most, sexual interest had waned. Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes affected less than one-third, whereas symptoms of lymphedema were experienced by 26 (11.5%). Significance: Women with advanced breast cancer have high rates of psychiatric and psychological disturbance. Quality of life is substantially affected. Clinicians need to be vigilant in monitoring psychological adjustment as part of a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach.
- Description: 2003007264
The relationship between attachment style, anxiety sensitivity and interpretive bias among adolescent nonclinical panickers
- Authors: Austin, David , Jamieson, Rachel , Richards, Jeffrey , Winkelman, John
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Behaviour Change Vol. 23, no. 1 (2006), p. 31-41
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- Description: Elevated anxiety sensitivity and the tendency to catastrophically misinterpret ambiguous bodily sensations has been demonstrated in people who experience nonclinical levels of panic (Richards, Austin, & Alvarenga, 2001), and anxiety sensitivity has been shown to be associated with insecure attachment in adolescents and young adults (Weems, Berman, Silverman, & Saavedra, 2001). This study investigated the relationship between attachment style, anxiety sensitivity and catastrophic misinterpretation among 11 nonclinical panickers and 58 nonanxious controls aged 18 to 19 years. Participants completed the Brief Bodily Sensations Interpretation Questionnaire (BBSIQ), Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) and an attachment questionnaire. The hypothesis that insecurely attached individuals would demonstrate greater catastrophic misinterpretation and higher anxiety sensitivity than securely attached individuals was not supported; however, nonclinical panickers gave more anxiety-related interpretations of ambiguous internal stimuli than nonanxious controls. Results do not support the notion that attachment style is related to anxiety sensitivity or catastrophic misinterpretation (regardless of panic experience). Results do, however, support the notion that anxiety-related misinterpretation of ambiguous somatic sensations precedes the onset of panic disorder.
- Description: C1
The role of coping, anxiety, and stress in depression post-acute coronary syndrome
- Authors: Di Benedetto, Mirella , Lindner, Helen , Hare, David , Kent, Stephen
- Date: 2007
- Type: Journal article
- Relation: Psychology, Health and Medicine Vol. 12, no. 4 (2007), p. 460-469
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- Description: Depressive symptoms are common and can affect prognosis following acute coronary symdromes (ACS). This study examined the psychological factors, coping, anxiety, and perceived stress associated with depression, following ACS. Psychological variables were assessed in 15 females and 66 males (M=57 years, SD = 12). Repeated measures at 2, 12, and 24 weeks post-ACS compared depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and coping resources as determined by the Cardiac Depression Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, and Coping Resources Inventory. Depression, anxiety, and perceived stress remained high in the depressed group across time. Coping scores at 2 weeks post-ACS predicted depression scores at 24 weeks post-ACS. It appears that trait anxiety and coping resources are related to depressive symptoms post-ACS.
- Description: 2003005780
Alleviating choking : The sounds of distraction
- Authors: Mesagno, Christopher , Marchant, Daryl , Morris, Tony
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Applied Sport Psychology Vol. 21, no. 2 (2009), p. 131-147
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- Description: Choking is defined as a critical deterioration in the execution of habitual processes as a result of an elevation in anxiety levels under perceived pressure, leading to substandard performance. In the current study, music was used in a dual-task paradigm to facilitate performance under pressure. Three choking-susceptible experienced female basketball players were purposively sampled from 41 screened players. Participants completed 240 basketball free throws in a single-case A1-B1-A2-B2 design (A phases = low-pressure and B phases = high-pressure), with the music intervention occurring during the B2 phase. Following completion of the phases, an interview was conducted to examine perceptions of choking and cognitions associated with the effects of the music lyrics. Participants improved performance in the B2 phase, and explained that choking resulted from an increase in public self-awareness (S-A). The music intervention decreased S-A, and enabled participants to minimize explicit monitoring of execution and reduce general distractibility.
Anxiety and depression among long-term survivors of cancer in Australia : Results of a population-based survey
- Authors: Couper, Jeremy , Love, Anthony , Pollard, Annabel , Bloch, Sidney
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medical Journal of Australia Vol. 191, no. 5 (2009), p. 294-295
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Cybersickness and anxiety during simulated motion : Implications for VRET
- Authors: Bruck, Susan , Watters, Paul
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Cyberpsychology & Behavior Vol. 12, no. 5 (2009), p. 593
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A randomised controlled trial of a social support intervention
- Authors: Martin, Paul , Reece, John , Lauder, Sue , McClelland, Andrew
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being Vol. 3, no. 1 (2011), p. 44-65
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- Description: Background: Much evidence has accumulated over the last three decades that low social support is related to both mental and physical health. Despite this large and convincing literature, reviewers have noted that there exists remarkably little evidence that social support can be increased by an appropriate intervention. This study reports on the development and evaluation of a new intervention for social support which takes account of the stress-buffering and direct effect models. Method: Eighty-one individuals scoring low on social support were randomly allocated to the intervention or a waiting-list control condition. Treatment consisted of 10 weekly sessions administered in a group format, and 49 participants (nine males) completed assessments at the beginning and end of a 10-week period, and at 10-week follow-up (intervention condition only). Results: The intervention proved to be successful at increasing functional support but not structural support. The intervention was also successful in increasing the social skill of self-disclosure, and decreasing depression. Gains made between pre- and post-treatment were maintained at 10-week follow-up. Conclusions: Based on published analyses of the effects of social support on health, the results imply that the intervention would be useful for stress-buffering purposes, but not for the general health-promoting effects that are associated with good social integration. © 2011 The Authors. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being © 2011 The International Association of Applied Psychology.
Self-presentation origins of choking: Evidence from separate pressure manipulations
- Authors: Mesagno, Christopher , Harvey, Jack , Janelle, Christopher
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology Vol. 33, no. 3 (2011), p. 441-459
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- Description: Whether self-presentation is involved in the choking process remains unknown. The purpose of the current study was to determine the role of self-presentation concerns on the frequency of choking within the context of a recently proposed self-presentation model. Experienced field hockey players (N = 45) were randomly assigned to one of five groups (i.e., performance-contingent monetary incentive, video camera placebo, video camera self-presentation, audience, or combined pressure), before taking penalty strokes in low- and high-pressure phases. Results indicated that groups exposed to self-presentation manipulations experienced choking, whereas those receiving motivational pressure treatments decreased anxiety and increased performance under pressure. Furthermore, cognitive state anxiety mediated the relationship between the self-presentation group and performance. These findings provide quantitative support for the proposed self-presentation model of choking, while also holding implications for anxiety manipulations in future sport psychology research. © 2011 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Training postgraduate psychology students to deliver psychological services online
- Authors: Shandley, Kerrie , Klein, Britt , Kyrios, Michael , Austin, David , Ciechomski, Lisa , Murray, Greg
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian psychologist Vol. 46, no. 2 (2011), p. 120-125
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- Description: Information and communication technologies are increasingly being used to remotely deliver psychological services. This delivery method confers clear advantages to both client and therapist, including the accessibility of services by otherwise unserved populations and cost-effective treatment. Remote services can be delivered in a real-time or delayed manner, providing clients with a wealth of therapy options not previously available. The proliferation of these services has outstripped the development and implementation of all but the most rudimentary of regulatory frameworks, potentially exposing clients to substandard psychological services. Integrating mandatory training on the delivery of online psychological services into accredited postgraduate psychology courses would aid in addressing this issue. The purpose of this article is to outline issues of consideration in the development and implementation of such a training programme. An online etherapy training programme developed by Swinburne University's National eTherapy Centre will be used as an example throughout.
Dissemination of Therapist-Assisted Internet Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Development and Open Pilot Study of a Workshop
- Authors: Hadjistavropoulos, Heather , Thompson, Maureen , Klein, Britt , Austin, David
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Vol. 41, no. 3 (2012), p. 230-240
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- Description: There is considerable research suggesting that therapist-assisted Internet cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) is efficacious in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Given this research, there is a growing interest in training students in therapist-assisted ICBT in order to assist with the dissemination of this emerging modality into routine clinical practice. In this study, we developed, delivered, and evaluated a therapist-assisted ICBT workshop for clinical psychology graduate students (n = 20). The workshop provided both research evidence and practical information related to the delivery of therapist-assisted ICBT. The workshop also incorporated an experiential component with students working on and discussing responses to client e-mails. Before and after the workshop, we measured knowledge of therapist-assisted ICBT research and professional practice issues, as well as attitudes towards and confidence in delivering therapist-assisted ICBT. Statistically significant changes were observed in all areas. Eighty-five per cent of students are now offering therapist-assisted ICBT under supervision. We conclude by discussing future research directions related to disseminating therapist-assisted ICBT. © 2012 Copyright Swedish Association for Behaviour Therapy.
Examination of spatial working memory performance in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, combined type (ADHD-CT) and anxiety
- Authors: Vance, Alasdair , Ferrin, Maite , Winther, Jo , Gomez, Rapson
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology Vol. 41, no. 6 (2013), p. 891-900
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- Description: Spatial working memory (SWM) is known to be impaired in children with ADHD-CT, whether anxiety is present or not. Yet, it remains unclear whether anxiety disorders add to the SWM impairments evident in ADHD-CT and whether these findings extend into adolescents with ADHD-CT and anxiety. Further, it is not yet known whether children and adolescents with carefully defined anxiety disorders alone, demonstrate SWM deficits. This study explored the association of SWM and its strategy and spatial span components in carefully defined children and adolescents (age 6-16 years) with ADHD-CT alone (N = 163; 14 % female), ADHD-CT and anxiety (N = 243; 23 % female), anxiety disorders alone (N = 69; 25 % female) compared to age- and gender-matched healthy control participants (N = 116; 19 % female). The relationship between SWM and its strategy and span components and core ADHD-CT symptoms and anxiety symptoms were also examined. There was no evidence of an additive effect of ADHD and anxiety on SWM, strategy and spatial span deficits. But, anxiety disorders alone were associated with impaired SWM and span performance compared to healthy control participants. In contrast, strategy did not differ between children and adolescents with anxiety disorders alone and healthy control participants, suggesting that with anxiety span is the most affected component. Further, these findings were age-independent. This study concurs with and extends current influential models about the cognitive effects of anxiety on performance in the setting of ADHD-CT. Clinical implications and future research directions are discussed.
Who uses Australian chiropractic services?
- Authors: French, Simon , Densley, Konstancja , Charity, Melanie , Gunn, Jane
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Chiropractic and Manual Therapies Vol. 21, no. 1 (2013), p.
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- Description: Background: The use of chiropractic services is widespread, however, little is known about the characteristics of people who seek chiropractic care in Australia. This study compared the characteristics of users and non-users of chiropractic services from a cohort of patients sourced from general medical practice in Victoria, Australia.Methods: This is a secondary analysis of baseline screening data from a prospective adult cohort study beginning in 2005. Thirty randomly selected Australian general medical practices mailed out surveys to 17,780 of their patients. Differences were examined between chiropractic users and others, and between chiropractic users who reported a back problem to those who did not.Results: Of 7,519 respondents, 15% indicated they had visited a chiropractor in the last 12 months. Chiropractic users were more likely to have their GP located in a rural location and to be born in Australia; they were less likely to be in the older age group (55-76), to be unemployed or to have a pension/benefit as their main source of income. Chiropractic users were more likely to: have a back problem; use complementary or alternative medication; visit another type of complementary health practitioner or a physiotherapist. They were less likely to take medication for certain health problems (e.g. for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or asthma). No important differences were seen between chiropractic users and non-users for other health problems. People who visited a chiropractor and reported a back problem were more likely to: be a current smoker; have a number of other chronic conditions, including arthritis, hypertension, chronic sinusitis, asthma, dermatitis, depression and anxiety; report taking medications, including antidepressants, analgesics (painkillers and arthritis medication) and complementary or alternative medications.Conclusions: This large cross-sectional study of general medical practice attendees suggests that chiropractors are the most commonly consulted complementary health profession. Chiropractors should ensure they are aware of their patients' health conditions other than musculoskeletal problems and should ensure they are appropriately managed. © 2013 French et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Age-related changes in generalized anxiety disorder symptoms
- Authors: Miloyan, Beyon , Byrne, Gerard , Pachana, Nancy
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Psychogeriatrics Vol. 26, no. 4 (2014), p. 565-572
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- Description: Background: Little is known about the effects of age on the symptoms of anxiety disorder. Accordingly, this study sought to investigate age-related differences in the number and kind of symptoms that distinguish between individuals with and without a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Methods: A sample of 3,486 self-reported worriers was derived from Wave 1 of the National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), an epidemiological survey of mental health conducted in the USA in 2001-2002. Participants were stratified into the following age groups (18-29 years, 30-44 years, 45-64 years, 65-98 years), and then divided into diagnostic groups (GAD and non-GAD worriers). Results: Binary logistic regression analyses revealed that four distinct sets of symptoms were associated with GAD in each age group, and that numerically fewer symptoms were associated with GAD in older adults. Moreover, there were graduated changes in the type and number of symptoms associated with GAD in each successive age group. Conclusions: There are graduated, age-related differences in the phenomenology of GAD that might contribute to challenges in the detection of late-life anxiety. © International Psychogeriatric Association 2014.
The effects of declining functional abilities in dementia patients and increases in psychological distress on caregiver burden over a one-year period
- Authors: Razani, Jill , Corona, Roberto , Quilici, Jill , Matevosyan, Adelina , Funes, Cynthia , Larco, Andrea , Miloyan, Beyon , Avila, Justina , Chang, Julia , Goldberg, Hope , Lu, Po
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Clinical Gerontologist Vol. 37, no. 3 (2014), p. 235-252
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- Description: The degree to which changes in caregiver burden over a one-year period can be predicted by functioning of dementia patients and caregiver psychological stress was examined. The Direct Assessment of Functional Status (DAFS) was administered to 44 patients and the Caregiver Burden Inventory and the Brief Symptom Inventory were administered to their next-of-kin caregivers. All patients and caregivers were assessed at baseline and again in approximately one year with the same measures. Hierarchical regression revealed that baseline patient functioning predicted overall changes in caregiver burden, but that increases in psychological symptoms of caregivers such as depression, anxiety, and hostility were the best predictors for specific types of increased caregiver burden, such as social, developmental, or physical burden. These results suggest that interventions should target reduction of particular psychological symptoms in order to reduce caregiver burden over time.
Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness of Therapist-Guided Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Older Adults With Symptoms of Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Authors: Dear, Blake , Zou, Judy , Ali, Shehzad , Lorian, Carolyn , Johnston, Luke , Sheehan, Joanne , Staples, Lauren , Gandy, Milena , Fogliati, Vincent , Klein, Britt , Titov, Nickolai
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Behavior Therapy Vol. 46, no. 2 (2015), p. 206-217
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- Description: There is preliminary support for internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (iCBT) as a way of improving access to treatment among older adults with anxiety. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to examine the efficacy, long-term outcomes, and cost-effectiveness of an iCBT program for adults over 60. years of age with anxiety. Successful applicants were randomly allocated to either the treatment group (n= 35) or the waitlist control group (n= 37). The online treatment course was delivered over 8. weeks and provided with brief weekly contact with a clinical psychologist via telephone or secure email. Eighty-four percent of participants completed the iCBT course within the 8. weeks and 90% provided data at posttreatment. Significantly lower scores on measures of anxiety (Cohen's d=. 1.43; 95% CI: 0.89 - 1.93) and depression (Cohen's d=. 1.79; 95% CI: 1.21 - 2.32) were found among the treatment group compared to the control group at posttreatment. These lower scores were maintained at 3-month and 12-month follow-up and the treatment group rated the iCBT treatment as acceptable. The treatment group had slightly higher costs ($92.2; 95% CI: $38.7 to $149.2) and Quality-Adjusted Life-Years (QALYs. =. 0.010; 95% CI: 0.003 to 0.018) than the control group at posttreatment and the intervention was found to have a greater than 95% probability of being cost-effective. The results support iCBT as an efficacious and cost-effective treatment option for older adults with symptoms of anxiety. © 2014 Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.
Examining self-guided internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for older adults with symptoms of anxiety and depression: Two feasibility open trials
- Authors: Dear, Blake , Zou, Judy , Ali, Shehzad , Lorian, Carolyn , Johnston, Luke , Terides, Matthew , Staples, Lauren , Gandy, Milena , Fogliati, Vincent , Klein, Britt , Titov, Nickolai
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Internet Interventions Vol. 2, no. (2015), p. 17-23
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- Description: Self-guided internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (iCBT) has considerable public health potential for treating anxiety and depression. However, no research has examined the use of self-guided iCBT, that is, treatment without contact with a clinician, specifically for older adults. The aim of the present study was to undertake a preliminary examination of the acceptability, efficacy and health economic impact of two entirely self-guided iCBT programs for adults over 60. years of age with anxiety and depression. Two separate single-group feasibility open trials of self-guided iCBT were conducted, the Anxiety Trial (n. =. 27) and the Depression Trial (n. =. 20), using the control groups of two randomized controlled trials. The online treatment packages consisted of five online educational lessons, which were delivered over 8. weeks without clinical contact. Participants rated the interventions as acceptable with more than 90% reporting the course was worth their time and more than 70% of participants completing at least 3 of the 5 lessons within the eight weeks. Significant reductions on measures of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item; GAD-7) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item; PHQ-9) were observed from pre-treatment to post-treatment in both the Anxiety Trial (GAD-7 Cohen's d=. 1.17; 95% CI: 0.55 to 1.75) and the Depression Trial (PHQ-9 Cohen's d=. 1.06; 95% CI: 0.33 to 1.73). The economic analyses indicated that there was statistically significant improvement in health-related quality of life compared to baseline and marginally higher costs associated with treatment for both the Anxiety Trial ($69.84; 95% CI: $4.24 to $135.45) and the Depression Trial ($54.98; 95% CI: $3.84 to $106.12). The results provide preliminary support for the potential of entirely self-guided iCBT for older adults with anxiety and depression and indicate larger scale and controlled research trials are warranted.
Threshold and subthreshold generalized anxiety disorder in later life
- Authors: Miloyan, Beyon , Byrne, Gerard , Pachana, Nancy
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Vol. 23, no. 6 (2015), p. 633-641
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Objective Symptoms and disorders of anxiety are highly prevalent among older adults; however, late-life anxiety disorders remain underdiagnosed. The objective of this study was to (1) estimate the prevalence of late-life threshold and subthreshold generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), (2) examine sociodemographic and health correlates associated with membership in these groups, (3) assess 3-year conversion rates of these groups, and (4) explore characteristics associated with 3-year conversion to GAD. Methods Using Waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions, 13,420 participants aged 55-98 years were included in this study. Results Subthreshold GAD was more highly prevalent than threshold GAD and was interposed between asymptomatic and GAD groups in terms of severity of health characteristics. Although most participants with subthreshold and threshold GAD were asymptomatic by Wave 2, differences in disability persisted. Subthreshold GAD at baseline was not a predictor of threshold GAD at follow-up. Conclusion These findings suggest that late-life GAD should be conceptualized as a dimensional rather than categorical construct. The temporal stability of anxiety-associated disability further suggests that subthreshold GAD bears clinical significance. However, the suitability and efficacy of interventions for minimizing negative sequelae in this group remain to be determined.
Prenatal maternal mental health and fetal growth restriction: a systematic review
- Authors: Lewis, Andrew , Austin, Emma , Galbally, Megan
- Date: 2016
- Type: Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Vol. 7, no. 4 (2016), p. 416-428
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- Description: Maternal mental disorders during pregnancy are associated with a range of adverse health outcomes for offspring. This systematic review examines studies reporting on the relationship between maternal depression, anxiety or stress during pregnancy and fetal growth measured during pregnancy using ultrasound biometry. A systematic search of PsycINFO, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase was conducted and 1575 records were identified, with nine studies meeting inclusion criteria gathering data from over 7000 participants. All studies measured depression, six examined anxiety and depression, and five examined all three exposures. The majority measured symptoms rather than clinically diagnosable disorder. Studies consistently reported significant associations between maternal mental health, particularly anxiety symptoms, and reduced fetal head growth. Other fetal growth parameters showed inconsistent findings. A number of studies suggest that cortisol dysregulation associated with maternal mental health may play a role in fetal growth restriction. However, heterogeneity in the timing of growth measurement, assessment measures used for mental health and inconsistencies in adjustment for confounders, limits the synthesis and interpretation of findings. Future studies should consider differences in the timing, intensity and duration of mental health symptoms over pregnancy and should employ diagnostic assessment of mental disorders. Fetal growth should be repeatedly measured and further work is needed to establish the biological mechanisms involved.