Effects of a psychological intervention on depression in infertile couples

ObjectiveTo determine factors affecting depression in infertile couples and the impact of a psychological intervention before or during infertility treatment.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study with 638 infertile couples assessed for depression, 140 couples with a member who had a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score of 17 or higher were randomized to receive psychological treatment either before or during infertility treatment. Logistic regression was performed to eliminate confounding factors.ResultsDepression was initially found in 48% of women and 23.8% of men. The mean ± SD Beck scores fell from 18.7 ± 9.7 to 10.7 ± 5.8 (P < 0.001) in the group psychologically treated before they received infertility treatment.ConclusionThe psychological intervention was found useful in alleviating depression in infertile couples before they received infertility treatment.