Anxiety and depression among couples undergoing treatment for infertility with assisted reproductive techniques at an Indian centre

Abstract

Background Infertility and its treatment are frequently associated with psychological distress. We assessed the prevalence of anxiety and depression in couples undergoing treatment for infertility with assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). Methods We included 160 married couples undergoing treatment for infertility at an ART centre. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was assessed using the hospital anxiety and depression scale. Results The prevalence of anxiety and depression was 46.2% and 40.9%, respectively. Women had higher mean (SD) anxiety (10.76 [2.69]) and depression (9.86 [2.06]) scores; however, this gender difference was statistically significant only with respect to anxiety (p=0.02). The mean anxiety scores were highest among both genders when the cause of infertility was attributed to both partners and during the first year and 10 years after treatment. Men in the age groups of 20–24 years and 40–44 years and those with no prior treatment had a statistically significant association with the highest anxiety scores. The mean depression scores showed a statistically significant decline in both genders with increasing age. Among men, the mean depression scoreswere significantly higher in those with no prior treatment, male cause of infertility and during the first year and after 10 years of treatment. Conclusion The prevalence of anxiety and depression among infertile couples undergoing treatment with ART was almost twice as high as that in the general population. The mean anxiety scores were significantly associated with duration of treatment and gender-based attribution in both genders; however, age and prior treatment were associated with only men. The mean scores of depression were significantly associated with age in both genders, while duration of treatment, gender-based attribution and prior treatment were significantly associated only with men.