Mental Disorders and Female Infertility

Abstract

Approximately 5 to 10 % of women in their reproductive years are affected by infertility. Infertility in women has been associated with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, disturbed eating behavior, autism, psychotic disorders and autism. Part of the association between depression, anxiety and infertility can be explained by the emotional stress resulting from infertility. As mental disorders like depressive disorder or eating disorders are also prospectively associated with infertility, a bidirectional relationship is assumed. The paper discusses the theories about the mechanistic link between mental disorders and infertility. A special relationship may between mental disorders and the main causes of ovulatory infertility, hypothalamic amenorrhea and polycystic ovary disease. Pilot studies support the assumption that psychotherapy may constitute an important component in the treatment of infertility.