Psychological evaluation and support in a program of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

This report describes the psychological evaluation of 200 couples consecutively seen at a pretreatment consultation in an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program. Attitudinal and emotional characteristics of the sample are also described. Half the women and 15% of the men reported that infertility is the most upsetting experience of their lives. On the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), approximately 20% of the males and females had one or more elevated scale scores, suggesting dysfunctional emotional distress or personality difficulties. Half the sample had high scores on the MMPI Ego Strength scale, which indicated effective functioning and ability to withstand stress. T scores for the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale were in the normal range before treatment. Further longitudinal study is needed to define the emotional impact of procedures and reactions to treatment outcomes.