Influence of Psychological Factors on Outcome of IVF

Overview

Objective:
To examine the influence of psychological factors on outcome of in vitro fertilisation (IVF).Design: Prospective clinical study.Setting: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Charles University School of Medicine and General University Hospital Prague.Methods: Sixty-six couples undergoing IVF treatment were administered psychometric tests: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck’s Depression Inventory, Interpersonal Check List and Dusin Frustration Test. Results of pregnant and non-pregnant group were compared.Results: We found statistically significant differences only in women. Women from the pregnant group had significantly lower scores of trait anxiety then women from the non-pregnant group (P < 0.05). Pregnant women evaluated themselves (P < 0.01) and their partners (P < 0.01) as more hostile then the non-pregnant women in the ICL. In the scores of trait anxiety, depression and frustration were not any differences.In the non-pregnant group were the women significantly more anxious (state anxiety P < 0.02, trait anxiety P < 0.01) and depressed (P < 0.05) then their partners. We didn’t find these differences in the pregnant group.Conclusion: Women from the pregnant group had significantly lower scores of trait anxiety then women from the non-pregnant group. Those women react in IVF treatment with higher stress and this stress response decreases their chance of conception. They were not any differences between the two groups of man.We found significant differences in the interpersonal interaction. In the non-pregnant group had the women significantly higher scores of depression and both state and trait anxiety. In the ICL evaluated themselves and their partners as more affiliate then the women in the pregnant group. According our opinion adequate hostility protects the women for depression and anxiety and is better coping style.

Key words:
IVF, depression, anxiety