PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS BEFORE AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER ATTENDANCE AT A MALE SUB-FERTILITY CLINIC

Where treatment options are limited, the role of clinical consultation in providing information and support becomes more important. This stu dy examines the immediate impact of medical consultation on male sub-f ertility clinic attender's anxiety, depression, self-blame, informatio n appraisal and perceptions of future fertility. Data were collected p re- and immediately post-consultation. Clinical information and consul tation details were recorded. Results showed that anxiety levels were high before consultation. Following consultation anxiety and self-blam e were both reduced while depression increased. Despite information ab out poor prognosis being given during consultation, participants remai ned overly optimistic about their chances of achieving a pregnancy. It appears that the consultation has a distinct psychological impact and possible mechanisms underlying this are discussed.