Effect of psychiatric group intervention on natural-killer cell activity and pregnancy rate

Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2002 Sep-Oct;24(5):353-6. doi: 10.1016/s0163-8343(02)00194-9.

Abstract

We investigated the effects of psychiatric group intervention on the emotions, natural-killer (NK) cell activity and pregnancy rate in Japanese infertile women by a randomized study. Thirty-seven women completed a 5-session intervention program and were compared with 37 controls. Psychological discomfort and NK-cell activity (47.7% to 34.1%, P<.0001) significantly decreased after the intervention, whereas no significant changes were observed in controls. According to a 1-year follow-up of both groups, the pregnancy rate in the intervention group was significantly higher than that of controls (37.8% vs. 13.5%, P=.03). Psychological group intervention was therefore effective in Japanese infertile women.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / epidemiology
  • Infertility, Female / immunology
  • Infertility, Female / psychology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Mental Disorders / immunology*
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Rate*
  • Psychotherapy, Group / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome