Abstract
BackgroundMayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare congenital disease characterized by uterovaginal agenesis. The diagnosis of MRKH syndrome generally leads to considerable emotional burdens on patients. However, studies focusing on the psychological influence on patients are limited and of unsatisfactory quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in Chinese patients with MRKH syndrome and to identify the factors associated with depressive symptoms. We recruited 141 patients with MRKH syndrome and 178 age-matched healthy women as control group in this cross-sectional study. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Other parameters such as sociodemographic characteristics, treatment histories, personality traits, and attitudes toward femininity and offspring, were also gathered in the self-administered questionnaire.ResultsThe PHQ-9 score was significantly higher in MRKH patient group than the age-matched control group (7.0 (4.5–11.0) vs. 6.0 (3.0–9.0)), median and IQRs) (P = 0.015). A total of 75.2% of MRKH patients suffered from depressive symptoms, and 34.0% reached a moderate to severe level, while the proportion in the control group was 61.2 and 24.2% respectively. Compared with other age groups, patients in their 20s scored higher on the PHQ-9. Patients with higher neuroticism levels in personality traits (OR 1.19 95% CI 1.11–1.28), negative self-evaluation of femininity (OR 3.964, 95% CI 1.371–11.464) and sexual dysfunction (OR 4.81 95% CI 1.24–18.72) (compared with those having no sexual activity) were more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms.ConclusionsThree-quarters of MRKH patients show depressive symptoms, and one-third of these individuals are even at risk for depressive disorders. Therefore, depressive symptom screening and proper psychotherapy in MRKH patients are of great importance.
Highlights
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare congenital disease characterized by uterovaginal agenesis
3 (2.1%) investigated patients had their children by adoption or surrogacy
The results suggested that negative self-evaluation of femininity; neurotic personality traits and sexual dysfunction were potential risk factors for depressive symptoms in patients with MRKH syndrome (Table 2)
Summary
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare congenital disease characterized by uterovaginal agenesis. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Other parameters such as sociodemographic characteristics, treatment histories, personality traits, and attitudes toward femininity and offspring, were gathered in the self-administered questionnaire. Due to emotional burdens caused by the diagnosis, management and treatment of MRKH syndrome, depressive symptoms appear frequently. Patients have reported depressive emotions, even suicidal thoughts, in reaction to the diagnosis of this condition [5, 6]. While living with this disease, depression tendencies exist [3]
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