Related Experiment Videos
Anxiety, depression and anger suppression in infertile couples: a controlled study
1Department of Neurosciences, Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University School of Medicine, via Cherasco 15, CAP 10126, Turin, 'S Anna' Hospital of Turin, Italy. secondo.fassino@unito.it
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|October 31, 2002
Summary
Psychological distress, including depression and anxiety, is linked to functional infertility. These factors, alongside anger expression, differentiate functional infertility from organic causes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Psychosocial factors are increasingly recognized for their potential role in 'functional' infertility.
- The precise correlation between depression, anxiety, emotional patterns, and infertility requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between psychopathology, anger expression, and the classification of infertility (organic vs. functional).
- To identify psychological predictors differentiating subtypes of infertility.
Main Methods:
- 156 infertile couples and 80 fertile couples were assessed.
- Psychometric evaluation included the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI).
- Infertile couples were categorized into 'organic', 'functional', or 'undetermined' groups; psychometric evaluation was double-blind.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in psychopathology were observed between 'organic' and 'functional' infertile subjects and fertile controls.
- In women, HAM-A, HAM-D, and anger suppression predicted diagnosis subtype.
- In men, HAM-A and HAM-D predicted diagnosis, but anger expression did not.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with 'functional' infertility exhibit distinct psychopathological and psychological characteristics.
- These features appear independent of the stress associated with infertility diagnosis.