Infertility issues result in mental trauma among people: Study

Srinagar, May 17: A staggering 73 percent of infertile females and 40 percent of infertile males are experiencing psychiatric trauma, with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and panic disorders, reveals Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) study.

The research, titled "Prevalence and Pattern of Psychiatric Morbidity in Couples Seeking Treatment for Infertility in a Tertiary Care Hospital," has shed light on the significant mental health challenges faced by infertile couples in Kashmir.

The study was conducted by Dr Nighat Akbar under the guidance of Dr Yasir Hassan Rather and Dr Rizwana Habib and the samples were collected at LD Hospital.

The study, which involved 212 couples, found that major depressive disorder affected 29.72% of women and 11.79% of men.

Generalised anxiety disorder was present in 9.91% of women and 8.02% of men, while panic disorder affected 6.13% of women and 7.55% of men. Besides, Adjustment Disorder affected 10.85% female, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) was seen in 3.30% women among other disorders. Similarly, Adjustment Disorder was found among 4.72% men and substance use disorder (SUD) affected 8 men (3.77%).

The study identified polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and tubal blockage as the most common reasons for female infertility. For males, oligospermia and azoospermia were noted as significant factors.

Dr Nighat Akbar, a resident doctor at IMHANS and researcher of the study, told Greater Kashmir that women are more prone to psychiatric illnesses compared to men, with a higher incidence of depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), suicidality, and substance use disorder.

"The findings suggest that the age group most affected is 26 to 35 years old. Furthermore, rural infertile couples, those from lower-middle socioeconomic backgrounds, and unemployed participants, including housemakers, showed higher rates of psychiatric morbidity," she said.

She said that study also found that primary infertility is associated with more severe psychiatric issues than secondary infertility.

"Economic strain due to costly and invasive fertility treatments exacerbates these mental health challenges, especially for women. The stress of treatment, coupled with financial difficulties and family disturbances, often leads to marital discord," she said.

Dr Akbar said that there is a need for comprehensive support from healthcare professionals, mental health experts, support groups, and the broader community to alleviate these pressures.

"There should be support mechanisms, including mental health counselling, support groups, and community interventions, to help mitigate the mental health challenges faced by infertile couples. Integrating psychological support into fertility treatment plans is crucial for improving the overall well-being of these individuals," she said.