Psychological status of previously infertile couples after a successful pregnancy.
Potential long-term effects of psychological dysfunction associated with infertility were investigated in a descriptive study of 32 previously infertile couples. Comparison was made with the performance of 20 never infertile couples matched for age, number of children, education, and income level, using a standard psychological assessment tool, the Hopkins symptom check list. While infertile, women had slightly elevated mean scores on three subscales: depression, interpersonal sensitivity, and hostility. After resolution of infertility, these scores did not improve. In addition, depression scores were elevated among the previously infertile women compared with a matched, never infertile group. Infertile men scored within the normal range for depression and interpersonal sensitivity and had a borderline mean score for hostility, which was markedly reduced after a normal pregnancy.
Bernstein
J
J
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Division, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque.
Mattox
J H
JH
Kellner
R
R
D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006791:Hostility; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000523:psychology*; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000523:psychology*; D011581:Psychological Tests