Les liens entre troubles psychiatriques et aide médicale à la procréation

Keypoints • Infertility and psychiatric disorders have a high prevalence in the population. Infertility affects 15 to 25% of couples in France, while 12.5% of the adult population reported having experienced a major depressive episode (MDE) during 2021 in France. It is estimated that 28 to 44% of infertile women may experience a major depressive episode. • There is a bidirectional link between mental health and Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR). Psychiatric disorders can influence the initiation, course, and outcome of MAR treatments, while these treatments can exacerbate preexisting psychological vulnerabilities or even trigger psychiatric disorders. • Repeated failures in MAR attempts promote the onset of MDE and tend to significantly deteriorate the mental health of couples. Psychological assessment should be systematic at each stage of the process and continue once the MAR process is completed, whether or not a pregnancy has been achieved. • The availability of psychological and psychiatric care during an MAR process is highly unequal and not standardized in France. Currently, there is no data on psychological support services and psychiatric assessment in MAR centers in France. • The article highlights the importance of comprehensive care during MAR processes. Support in an MAR journey too often remains limited to medical treatment. Integrating the psychological and psychiatric dimension into each process appears crucial.