Depression and Anxiety in Couples Undergoing Infertility Treatment with Assisted Reproductive Techniques in Indian Context.

Abstract

Background: Psychological distress has been linked to infertility and its treatment. However, the existing literature data are scarce concerning this issue in Indian couples.

Aim: To assess depression and anxiety in couples undergoing infertility treatment with assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) in the Indian context.

Methods: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess depression and anxiety in 80 married couples who were undergoing treatment for infertility using assisted reproductive techniques at an Indian center.

Results: The mean anxiety and depression scores were higher in females with 9.84 ± 2.04 and 10.74 ± 2.67, respectively (P = 0.02). High anxiety scores were seen in males aged 20-24 and 40-44 years with no prior treatment. With increasing age, mean depression scores decreased in both genders. Higher depression scores were seen in males during the first and 10 years of treatment, male infertility cause, and no prior treatment cases.

Conclusions: Depression and anxiety prevalence in infertile couples undergoing treatment with ART is double compared to the general population. Mean depression scores had a significant association in both genders and with initial treatment, gender-based attribution, and duration of therapy in males.