PRENATAL-CARE AND DELIVERY IN AN AGORAPHOBIC WOMAN - A CASE-REPORT

Agoraphobia is a psychiatric illness that can cause patients to become functionally homebound. Although the obstetric care of women with agoraphobia has not been described previously, it is likely that the problem is more prevalent than recognized. A pregnant woman initially believed she would be unable to travel to the hospital for delivery. She was given prenatal care and psychotherapy at home; a safe hospital delivery was achieved. The management plan included the in-depth involvement of two physicians, physician preparation for a potential home delivery, patient education about obstetric risks and the harmlessness of agoraphobic panic attacks, and psychologic and marital therapy. Strategies for minimizing medicolegal risks were employed.