Study of Psychiatric Morbidity in Infertile Women

Context: The WHO estimates that 8-12% of couples around the world experience difficulty conceiving a child. The impact of infertility on the psychological well being of couples involved has been the object of increasing attention in recent years. Most of the studies which have been conducted to identify the psychopathologies of infertile women have focussed their attention on depression and anxiety. Aim: The aim of the present study was to identify the prevalence of psychiatric disturbances in women suffering from infertility. Settings and Design: A cross sectional study was conducted in the Outpatient departments of Psychiatry and Obstetrics&Gynaecology. Methods and Material: One hundred and twenty infertile women were selected. They were interviewed using a special proforma and screened using Mini -international Neuropsychiatry interview English Version 6.0.0 Statistical Analysis Used: The data was analysed using SPSS version 19 &s EPI INFO software. Results: Psychopathology was found in 39.16% of the study population. Depression was the most common psychiatric morbidity found followed by generalized anxiety disorder. Conclusion: Infertile women should be routinely evaluated for psychological disturbances and psychiatric morbidity to maximise their health.