Characteristics of the emotional sphere of women in the IVF program with natural and donor ova.

Introduction: The IVF-method considers to be one of the prospective methods of infertility treatment. However, the psycho-emotional states of thewomen in the IVF programremain understudied. That is why the specifics of reaction on infertility of the woman is of crucial importance. Objectives: The research aim is studying the characteristics of the emotional sphere of women in the IVF program. Methods: The research sample consists of 150 women (mean age 34.5+2), belonging to one of three groups: (1) Experimental group 1 - the women in the IVF program with their own ovum; (2) Experimental group 2 - the women in the IVF program with a donor ovum; Control group - women having pregnancy naturally. The following methods are used: Toronto Alexithymia Scale; Beck Depression Inventory; State and Trait Anxiety Inventory; SF 36 Questionnaire; Lazarus Coping Questionnaire; Leonhard Questionnaire. Results: The women in IVF-program with a donor ovum demonstrate more pronounced depressive tendencies; they have a higher level of alexithymia and anxiety comparing with the women in the group with their own ova and the control group. Women with their own ova demonstrate a direct connection of the anxiety and depression levels. Women from both experimental groups show a higher anxiety level comparing with the control group. Conclusions: It is important to consider such characteristics as a high anxiety level, depressive tendencies and a relatively pronounced alexithymia when designing intervention psychotherapeutic programs for the women in the IVF program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]