Infertility and Mental Health - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Fertility (Part 2): What Can Basic Science Tell Us?

Serotonin (5-HT) is one of the neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation and has been implicated in the development of mood and anxiety disorders. Serotonin transporters (SERT) facilitate the transfer of serotonin into neurons; serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants bind to these transporters and appear to exert their effect on mood by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and thus increasing the levels of this neurotransmitter at the synapse.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:39:53-04:00July 5th, 2011|Infertility and Mental Health|1 Comment

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Fertility (Part 1): A Clinical Perspective

We previously reported that paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), may affect sperm motility and may thus have a negative impact on male fertility. Many women who are planning a pregnancy question whether SSRIs and other antidepressants may affect fertility; this is obviously a particularly important issue for those who are having difficulty conceiving.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:39:33-04:00July 1st, 2011|Infertility and Mental Health|0 Comments

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Infertile Women: Is it Better than Medication?

Research indicates that women undergoing infertility treatment experience high rates of psychological distress (1). Additionally, it is believed that stress and depression have an impact on fertility, as it has been shown that certain psychological interventions may improve pregnancy rates in infertile women (2-4). In a recent study, Faramarzi and colleagues compared the effects of group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), fluoxetine, and no treatment on the mental health of infertile women who had been trying to conceive for at least 2 years (5).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:32:54-04:00April 4th, 2011|Infertility and Mental Health|0 Comments

Depression and Anxiety: Do They Impact Infertility Treatment?

Infertility affects an estimated 10-15% of couples of reproductive age. Several studies have indicated that patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) experience high levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Multiple risk factors for anxiety and depression during infertility treatment have been identified; these include being female, age over 30, lower level of education, lack of occupational activity, a male cause for infertility, and infertility for 3-6 years.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T16:46:54-04:00June 30th, 2010|Infertility and Mental Health|1 Comment

Paroxetine (Paxil) May Affect Sperm Quality

Within the field of psychiatry, there is a growing body of literature studying the use of antidepressants in women in the context of pregnancy and the postpartum period. However, much less attention has focused on the impact of these drugs on fertility, particularly in men. Because major depressive disorders affect about one in 10 American men over their lifetimes, it is essential to study the effects of antidepressants on male fertility.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T13:31:57-04:00October 1st, 2009|Infertility and Mental Health|4 Comments

Impact of Infertility Treatment on Risk for Depression and Anxiety

Infertility and its treatment have been shown to be a trigger for both depression and anxiety. Women with pre-existing histories of depression and anxiety who have been stable on medication may find themselves with worsening symptoms brought on by the stress involved in the process of infertility treatment. Many women find the process an emotional roller coaster of hopefulness and disappointment.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T14:43:11-04:00August 28th, 2008|Infertility and Mental Health|3 Comments

Does Depo-Provera Cause Mood Changes?

Depo-Provera (DMPA), also known as the birth control shot, is a highly effective form of contraception that lasts for 3 months, and thus requires only 4 injections per year. DMPA contains a long-lasting form of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate that works as a contraceptive agent by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. Potential side effects of DMPA include bone density loss, weight gain, and mood worsening. Although depression is listed in the packet insert as a side effect of the injection, available research addressing this side effect are limited and contradictory.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2019-03-01T13:36:17-04:00July 29th, 2008|Infertility and Mental Health, PMS and PMDD|51 Comments

Depression is Common Following Successful IVF

Psychological symptoms play a significant role in infertility. Some studies have examined the impact of psychological symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression) on fertility status. Most of this research has focused on women with unsuccessful IVF treatment. Some have investigated the extent to which a woman's psychological state during assisted reproductive therapy (ART, which includes in vitro fertilization (IVF)) interferes with the success of the treatment. ART itself has been shown in other studies to negatively impact a patient's psychological well-being, with prolonged treatment associated with increased depression and anxiety.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T13:17:47-04:00May 18th, 2008|Infertility and Mental Health|7 Comments

Fertility and Antipsychotic Medications

Infertility is a problem which has gained increased attention over the past several decades. While many factors may contribute to infertility, some medications may also affect reproductive functioning and thus may have an impact on fertility. This post will focus on the antipsychotic drugs, which are now used to treat many psychiatric disorders other than schizophrenia, including insomnia, anxiety disorders, major depression and bipolar disorder.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T10:14:05-04:00February 14th, 2008|Infertility and Mental Health|4 Comments

Infertility Treatment: A Trigger for Depression and Anxiety

While several studies have demonstrated high levels of psychological distress among women pursuing infertility treatment, few studies have assessed the prevalence of psychiatric illness in populations undergoing infertility treatment using standardized diagnostic instruments. In a recent study from Taipei Veterans General Hospital, a university-affiliated medical center in Taiwan, women attending an assisted reproduction clinic were assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) (Chen 2004) Of the 112 participants, 40.2% met criteria for a psychiatric disorder. The most common diagnosis was generalized anxiety disorder (23.2%), followed by major depressive disorder (17.0%) and dysthymic disorder (9.8%). Participants with a psychiatric disorder did not differ from those without illness in terms of age, education level, income, or years of infertility.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-21T11:30:27-04:00August 18th, 2004|Infertility and Mental Health|1 Comment