Infertility...
Studies have
shown that women who experience infertility have heightened levels
of depression, anxiety, frustration, isolation and anger. Women
may feel hopeless and helpless as their attempts to become pregnant
are unsuccessful. Marriages and partnerships can become strained
and full of anger and resentment as treatment continues. Research
has shown that women in infertility treatment can exhibit depression
levels comparable to those diagnosed with cancer. Although some
scientists believe that these negative emotions may prevent conception,
it seems more likely that these feelings are the result, not the
cause of infertility. In either case, a reduction in stress and
tension clearly is beneficial for couples whether treatment is
successful or not.
Program
Philosophy:
Dr. Golin
received his training from Alice Domar, Ph.D., who developed "The
Mind/Body Program for Infertility". Dr. Golin is now offering
this program in North Jersey. It is a structured program that
utilizes empirically validated interventions used in the assessment
and treatment of anxiety and depression often seen in individuals
experiencing infertility. By participating in our program, participants
learn to cope more effectively with the stress of infertility.
Studies have shown that reducing stress may increase your success
with infertility treatment. The program is designed to decrease
the physical and psychological symptoms of stress, reduce isolation
and educate participants on the potential adverse impact of certain
lifestyle behaviors on their reproductive health. Our program
allows you to participate in a group with others in a similar
situation which helps reinforce concepts learned during the program.
Research
on the Mind/Body Program:
1) Domar
A, Clapp D, Slawsby E, Dusek J, Kessel B, Freizinger M. Impact
of Group psychological interventions on pregnancy rates in infertile
women. Fertility and Sterility. 2000: 73; 4:805-11. Follow-up
study to #2 (below). This study found significant differences
in viable pregnancy between the treatment condition (support and
cognitive-behavioral groups) and the control group. Overall viable
pregnancies for women who remained in the study for a full year
were as follows: 55% and 54% for the two treatment conditions
as compared to 20% for the control group. Both medically assisted
viable pregnancies rates and unassisted rates improved. The results
support the notion that psychological symptoms can impact fertility
and that interventions can successfully address these issues leading
to an increase in viable pregnancies.
2) Domar
AD, Seibel MS, Benson H. The mind/body program for infertility:
A new behavioral treatment approach for women with infertility.
Fertility and Sterility. 1990;53: 246-9. This investigation showed
reduced levels of depression/dejection, tension/anxiety, and fatigue/inertia
as a result of participating in treatment group. 34% of participants
had a successful conception within six months of completing the
program.
3) Domar
AD. Impact of psychological factors on dropout rates in insured
fertility patients. Fertility and Sterility. 2004;81: 271-273.
Survey of recent research: Dropout from treatment is significantly
related to psychological distress. Recommended that psychological
screening would be beneficial in fertility patients.
4) Domar
AD, Zuttermeister P, Seibel M, Benson H. Psychological improvement
in infertile women after behavioral treatment: A replication.
Fertility and Sterility. 1992;58: 144-7. Results support the efficacy
of relaxation-response based group behavioral treatment in reducing
of depression, anxiety and anger in infertile women.
Treatment Components:
