Prevalence and severity of depression among females seeking treatment for infertility-A hospital based study

BACKGROUND: Infertility as defined by WHO is the inability to conceive despite regular sexual intercourse (4 to 5 times per week) for 12 months or more without any use of contraceptive methods. Infertility is identified as a social stigma and a common disease by WHO affecting about 80 million people around the world. Studies have shown an increased vulnerability of women with infertility in developing depression ranging from 24 to 53.8% . Infertility has a huge psychological toll on the women and may lead to psychological disturbances like depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger and guilt. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: to determine the prevalence and severity of depression in females seeking treatment for infertility MATERIALS AND METHODS: study sample : 60 study setting : IVF Clinic at GSL General Hospital study period: November 2019 to march 2020 study design: cross sectional study study tool: MINI PLUS (mini international neuropsychiatric interview) MADRS(montgomery- asberg depression rating scale) INCLUSION CRITERIA: Married female patients aged between 18- 45 years seeking treatment for infertility Those who give Informed consent EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients with history of other psychiatric illness Patients who are currently using any other psychiatric medication. RESULTS: a sample size of 60 patients were considered of which Prevalence of depression- 39.9% Severity: mild depression – 25.0%, moderate depression – 11.7%, severe depression – 3.3% CONCLUSION: Early identification of females with depression helps for better treatment outcomes