The Psychological Sequelae of Miscarriage: A Critical Review of the Literature
Abstract
Miscarriage, although a common event in pregnancy, has been frequently overlooked in psychological research. This paper reviews the literature on the psychological sequelae of miscarriage, including the shortcomings of that literature. Best understood against the background of psychological changes in early pregnancy, the literature reveals aspects of grief specific to miscarriage. Important components of this grief comprise high levels of guilt, the loss of part of the self and a large impact upon personal identity. The psychological sequelae impact upon other family members, including partners and surviving children. Psychiatric consequences include depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. Given the potentially serious nature of these sequelae, it behooves the psychiatrist to inquire routinely about pregnancy loss in all female patients.
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A consistent feeling of guilt is commonly experienced after pregnancy loss and is associated with complicated grief reactions.
“A consistent feeling of guilt is commonly experienced after pregnancy loss and is associated with CG reactions.8,19,20”
From Complicated grief after perinatal loss (2012) · cites this paper as [20]
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References 121 · Cited by 174
- Authors
- Frost, M., & Condon, J. T.
- Affiliations
- Flinders University (AU)
- ORCID
- Condon, John T.
- Venue
- Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 1996-02
- Volume
- 30
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 54-62
- ISSN
- 0004-8674 (ISSN-L)
- 1440-1614
- OpenAlex
- W2078399437
- Cited by
- 174
- References
- 121
- Citations by year
- 2026: 12 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 5 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 3
- FWCI
- 1.00
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Immunology › Reproductive System and Pregnancy
- Keywords
- miscarriage, psychological sequelae, grief, guilt, personal identity, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, family impact, early pregnancy, mental health screening
- MeSH terms
- Abortion, Spontaneous, Adaptation, Psychological, Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorder, Female, Grief, Humans, Patient Care Team, Pregnancy, Risk Factors, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
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