Cognitive behavioural therapy improves pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to examine the effects of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on the pregnancy outcomes of women receiving in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment. METHODS: A literature review was performed using the databases MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and WANFANG. Eligible studies were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant data were extracted and the quality of studies assessed. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were pooled to statistically analyse the difference between intervention and control groups. RESULTS: Ten studies were selected for the systematic review and meta-analysis. The findings showed that CBT and cognitive-related therapy significantly improved the pregnancy rate of women undergoing IVF-ET treatment. Subgroup analysis showed that patients who received CBT, rather than complex psychological interventions, and those who received interventions delivered by professional psychologists, were more likely to become pregnant during IVF-ET treatment. CONCLUSION: CBT and cognitive-related interventions had significant effects on the pregnancy outcomes of women receiving IVF-ET treatment. CBT treatment (rather than complex psychological interventions) provided by professional psychologists is strongly recommended.