Psychological group support attenuates distress of waiting in couples scheduled for assisted reproduction

The aim of the study is to determine whether a cognitive-behavioral group treatment could lead to a decrease of psychological distress in couples waiting for assisted reproduction. Fifty consecutive couples included in the waiting list for IVF-ET or ICSI were randomly allocated either to receive Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment (CBT Group) or just waiting (Observation Group). The group is formed by 8-10 couples; 12 meetings are provided for a period of 4 months. Two psychometric test have been administered (Symptom Rating Test and Westbrook Coping Scales) at baseline and after 4 months. At baseline, females showed a higher level of SRT than males (F = 16.6 ± 14.1; M = 10.2 ± 9.0; p = 0.01). This became evident for anxiety (F = 5.6 ± 4.9; M = 3.3 ± 3.0, p = 0.004), somatization (F = 3.0 ± 2.5; M = 1.8 ± 2.1, p = 0.01) and feelings of inadequacy (F = 3.9 ± 3.7; M = 2.3 ± 2.7, p = 0.01). After 4 months in the males of Observation Group (from 2.3 ± 2.0 to 4.0 ± 2.8, p = 0.01) there was an increase of the level of anxiety. No other meaningful differences in other variables were found. In females of CBT Group a trend towards a significant decrease in the total value of psychological uneasiness (the SRT) (from 17.7 ± 13.7 to 14.1 ± 14.0, p = 0.07) was found. A long wait before the scheduled intervention of assisted reproduction increased anxiety levels, namely in male partners. CBT avoids such a 'waiting stress' and could be useful for stimulating discussion and awareness inside the couple. Shortening the waiting list and psychological support would be provided by infertility centres.