Screening for Psychological Conditions in Infertile Women: Provider Perspectives

Abstract

Purpose:

To determine if reproductive specialists are screening new patients for depression or anxiety, explore possible reasons why providers are not screening, and assess physician's views about the impact of mental health disorders on fertility.

Materials and Methods:

Cross-sectional exploratory study in which 86 practicing reproductive physicians filled out a 20-question survey regarding mental health screening and perception of psychological disorders on reproduction.

Results:

The majority of infertility providers believe psychological conditions negatively impact pregnancy success (75%); however, most providers are not formally screening patients for depression or anxiety (28%). Providers who did not screen for depression were more likely to be uncomfortable assessing patients for mental health disorders and to work in a private practice setting.

Conclusions:

This study finds that most infertility specialist respondents believe that mental health conditions negatively impact reproductive outcomes; however, few of these providers are screening for psychological disorders in infertile women. Reasons why providers are not screening infertility patients for psychological disorders include lack of time and unfamiliarity with recommendations for treatment of mental health conditions. Implementing a rapid screen for anxiety and depression and providing easily assessable succinct educational updates to fertility providers on current treatment options for mental health disorders may allow affected patients to be treated sooner, and ultimately, may improve fertility outcomes.

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