A recent study by the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) has revealed concerning levels of psychiatric distress among infertile couples in Kashmir.
Titled “Prevalence and Pattern of Psychiatric Morbidity in Couples Seeking Treatment for Infertility in a Tertiary Care Hospital,” the research disclosed that 73% of infertile women and 40% of infertile men are grappling with mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and panic disorders.
Conducted at City Hospital and involving 212 couples, the study identified major depressive disorder affecting 29.72% of women and 11.79% of men. Generalized anxiety disorder was observed in 9.91% of women and 8.02% of men, while panic disorder affected 6.13% of women and 7.55% of men.
Leading causes of female infertility cited in the research included polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and tubal blockage, whereas oligospermia and azoospermia were noted as significant factors for males.
Women were found to be more susceptible to psychiatric illnesses than men, particularly in the domains of depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), suicidality, and substance use disorder. The study also pinpointed the age group between 26 to 35 years, rural backgrounds, lower-middle socioeconomic status, and unemployment as factors contributing to higher rates of psychiatric morbidity.
Primary infertility was highlighted as being associated with more severe psychiatric issues compared to secondary infertility, exacerbated by the financial strain of costly and invasive fertility treatments. This often results in marital discord due to the stress of treatment, financial hardships, and family disruptions.
The study underscored the critical need for comprehensive support from healthcare providers, mental health specialists, support groups, and the broader community to alleviate these challenges. It strongly advocated for integrating psychological support into fertility treatment plans to enhance the overall well-being of affected individuals.
In response to these findings, health authorities are contemplating new guidelines that would mandate psychological counseling for couples undergoing fertility treatments. Local support groups such as the Kashmir Fertility Support Network have welcomed these developments, hoping for improved care for infertile couples across the region.
Moving forward, the IMHANS research team plans to conduct follow-up studies to assess the long-term impact of infertility on mental health and evaluate the effectiveness of intervention strategies. Collaboration with fertility clinics is also planned to develop integrated care models addressing both physical and mental health aspects of infertility treatment.
As awareness of this issue grows, healthcare providers and policymakers are urged to recognize the mental health implications of infertility and allocate appropriate resources for supportive care. This study marks a significant step towards understanding and addressing the intricate relationship between infertility and mental health in Kashmir.
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