Association of lifetime psychiatric history with psychological distress in women undergoing intrauterine insemination.

Abstract

The objective was to examine the prevalence of lifetime psychiatric disorders among women initiating intrauterine insemination (IUI) and their association with psychological distress at treatment onset. Ninety women were evaluated prior to treatment at an academic fertility center. Lifetime psychiatric diagnoses were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR. Psychological distress was measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and personality traits with the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised. Group differences were analyzed using t-tests and chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of elevated distress (BDI or PSS > 14). A lifetime Axis I disorder was identified in 36.7% of participants, most commonly mood (28.9%) and anxiety (15.6%) disorders. Women with a psychiatric history reported higher depression scores (10.5 vs. 5.5, p = 0.005), stress levels (18.8 vs. 12.8, p = 0.002), and neuroticism (p < 0.05). Lifetime psychiatric history remained independently associated with elevated distress (OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.14-7.01, p = 0.025). Over one-third of women initiating IUI have a lifetime psychiatric history, associated with greater distress at treatment onset. Routine psychiatric screening may help identify at-risk patients and support targeted interventions.