A NEW study found that brief virtual therapy for anxiety in pregnancy was feasible, well accepted, and linked to reduced symptoms.
Anxiety during pregnancy affects around one in four pregnancies and is frequently seen alongside other mental health disorders. Early treatment is important because untreated symptoms may persist and contribute to adverse obstetrical, neonatal, and child outcomes. In this pilot randomized controlled trial, investigators evaluated a novel brief psychotherapy called Mindful Adaptive Practice in Pregnancy, or MAPP, designed to offer a less resource intensive alternative to traditional mindfulness based cognitive therapy.
The study was conducted at two university affiliated health centers and enrolled pregnant persons with elevated anxiety symptoms. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either MAPP plus treatment as usual or treatment as usual alone. MAPP was delivered in a synchronous virtual group format, with five 2 hour sessions held over 4 weeks.
Anxiety in Pregnancy Treatment Feasibility
The trial recruited participants between November 2021 and May 2022, with 69 individuals randomized. Of these, 36 were assigned to MAPP and 33 to treatment as usual alone. Investigators assessed feasibility through recruitment rates and participant eligibility, while acceptability was measured using online questionnaires. Adherence was evaluated through session attendance and follow up completion.
Results suggested that the intervention was both feasible and acceptable. More than 80% of participants attended at least three sessions, indicating strong engagement with the program. This level of adherence is notable given the practical and emotional challenges that can accompany pregnancy, particularly for patients experiencing anxiety symptoms.
Preliminary Efficacy Signals
Beyond feasibility, the study also provided early evidence of clinical benefit. Participants who received MAPP showed a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms after treatment compared with those who received treatment as usual alone. While the trial was not designed to provide definitive efficacy data, the findings suggest that a brief synchronous virtual therapy could represent a promising approach for managing anxiety in pregnancy.
The authors concluded that MAPP warrants further study in a larger scale randomized controlled trial. If confirmed, this model may offer clinicians a practical way to expand access to psychological support for pregnant patients with anxiety, while reducing some of the burden associated with more intensive therapy formats.
Reference
Grigoriadis S et al. A brief intervention for the treatment of anxiety in pregnancy. A pilot randomized controlled trial (The TAP study). Psychother Psychosom. 2026;DOI:10.1159/000551731.
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