According to a recent study conducted in Sweden, “depression and anxiety are associated with lower pregnancy and live birth rates following IVF.”
“We often see infertile patients who suffer from depression and anxiety,” shared Dr. John Park of Carolina Conceptions after reading about the study’s findings. “Infertility tends to exacerbate depression and anxiety, and many times even causes these conditions. We encourage women suffering from depression or anxiety to see a psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist, because there is a mind/body connection when it comes to fertility.”
“Previous studies have shown that participation in a mind/body program run by a fertility therapist can improve success rates for IVF,” continued Dr. Park. “The findings in this recent study provide more evidence for the mind/body connection with respect to fertility.”
Source: Cesta C, Viktorin A, Olsson H, et al. Depression, Anxiety, and antidepressant Treatment in Women: Association with In Vitro Fertilization Outcome. Fertility and Sterility. 2016.