[An explanation of depression and anxiety symptoms in sterile women]

To discriminate variables that could account for depression and anxiety in women with infertility. The independent variables were gender role, assertive behavior and self-esteem; the dependent variables were depression and anxiety.

The sample consisted of 240 women selected through a special program intended to choose patients based on infertility medical criteria. Five tests translated into Spanish language were administered: Masculinity and femininity questionnaire, Assertive behavior questionnaire, Self-esteem questionnaire, Depression self-assessment scale (ZUNG) and State-trait anxiety inventory. Intervening variables were obtained through discriminant analysis. Three explaining models were built with p = 0.005.

For the psychologic variable of the self-esteem, the cut point marked by the instrument is 17 points (+/-5), so that, 75% (180) of the women had a normal self-esteem and 25% (60) obtained a low self-esteem score. As for the anxiety-feature, 60% (144) were normal and 40% (96) were over the cut point. For anxiety-state, 52.9% (127) were below the cut point and 47.1% (113) over. In depression, the last variable, 67.9% (163) of them were below and 32.1% (77) over the cut point.

Patients showing low self-esteem will tend to show depression and anxiety symptoms chronically, no matter their disorder.