Emotional states of women using assisted reproductive technologies: review of contemporary international research data
The article represents the review of contemporary scientific research data on the emotional states, i.e. anxiety, depression, and stress of women using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to gain pregnancy. The key systematic studies and metanalytic research since the beginning of 20th century and the recent data is presented in the article. The main research directions as found in publications are: (a) comparing ART women with those who conceived spontaneously, (b) the dynamics of emotional states before the treatment with ART, during and after, (c) the connection of emotional states and its dynamics with the ART outcome (pregnancy or no pregnancy). The most common tools for measuring emotional states are State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale. Most data found, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses reveal that women who use ART are mainly older compared to women with spontaneous conception, have longer infertility period, greater number of health problems both before ART and during pregnancy, higher probability of preterm labor. Data on anxiety, depression and stress show that mainly there are no significant differences between women in ART group and those with natural conception. Great impact is made by the ART outcome: women with successful pregnancy due to ART have their depression and stress levels decreasing. Another important factor is the number of ART cycles: women with 3 cycles and more have greater levels of anxiety, depression and stress that keep on high levels over time.