Alexithymia is Positively Associated with the Outcome of in vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment

Abstract

The goal was to examine prospectively the relation of psychological factors to the outcome after in vitro fertilization (IVF) in a sample of Greek women. Previous studies investigating the relation of IVF outcome to anxiety and depression have yielded contradictory results; other psychological dimensions have not been studied. 81 women who followed an IVF program during a 6-mo. period were prospectively evaluated. Demographic and gynecological data were assessed and women completed questionnaires measuring anxiety, depression, narcissistic traits, over-dependency, self-esteem, hostility, and alexithymia. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that successful IVF outcome correlated with more alexithymic characteristics and younger age. Correlation between alexithymia and successful IVF outcome is demonstrated. This might be explained by the "operational" nature of IVF techniques, to which alexithymic individuals would respond better.