RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine factors affecting depression in infertile couples and the impact of a psychological intervention before or during infertility treatment. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study with 638 infertile couples assessed for depression, 140 couples with a member who had a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score of 17 or higher were randomized to receive psychological treatment either before or during infertility treatment. Logistic regression was performed to eliminate confounding factors. RESULTS: Depression was initially found in 48% of women and 23.8% of men. The mean+/-SD Beck scores fell from 18.7+/-9.7 to 10.7+/-5.8 (P<0.001) in the group psychologically treated before they received infertility treatment. CONCLUSION: The psychological intervention was found useful in alleviating depression in infertile couples before they received infertility treatment.