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Dowding C, Mikocka-Walus A, Skvarc D, O'Shea M, Olive L, Evans S. Learning to cope with the reality of endometriosis: A mixed-methods analysis of psychological therapy in women with endometriosis. Br J Health Psychol 2024; 29:644-661. [PMID: 38467518 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the need and uptake of mental health support by women with endometriosis, no research to date has explored their experience of psychological therapy. We aimed to understand the factors that predict engagement in psychological therapy by Australian women with endometriosis and to qualitative explore their experience of psychological support. DESIGN Mixed-methods design. METHODS A total of 200 women with self-reported endometriosis were recruited from the community. We explored; (1) the demographic and clinical predictors of engagement in psychological therapy, (2) the psychological approaches that seem most valuable to women in the management of endometriosis and (3) their experience engaging in psychological therapy for endometriosis. RESULTS Nearly half of women reported to have seen a psychologist within the past year, particularly for pain. Younger age (OR, .94; 95% CI, .886-.993), depressive symptoms (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.002-1.099), and working part time compared to full time (OR, 2.17, 95% CI, 1.012-4.668), increased the likelihood of engaging in psychological therapy. Template thematic analysis identified three themes; (1) endometriosis and pain have multi-faceted psychological effects, (2) psychological support is sought to adjust and live with endometriosis and (3) there are helpful and unhelpful psychological tools for women with endometriosis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the use of psychological therapy in the management of endometriosis, and the need for psychological therapy to acknowledge the chronicity and impact of symptoms, to enlist multidisciplinary support and to consider alternative options. Further advocacy is required to educate women on the benefits of psychological therapy for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Dowding
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Antonina Mikocka-Walus
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Skvarc
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melissa O'Shea
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Olive
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- IMPACT, the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Subhadra Evans
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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Azeze GG, Wu L, Alemu BK, Lee WF, Fung LWY, Cheung ECW, Zhang T, Wang CC. Proteomics approach to discovering non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers and understanding the pathogenesis of endometriosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Transl Med 2024; 22:685. [PMID: 39061077 PMCID: PMC11282838 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05474-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is one of the most common gynaecological diseases, yet it lacks efficient biomarkers for early detection and unravels disease mechanisms. Proteomic profiling has revealed diverse patterns of protein changes in various clinical samples. Integrating and systematically analysing proteomics data can facilitate the development of biomarkers, expediting diagnosis and providing insights for potential clinical and therapeutic applications. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore potential non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers in various biological samples and therapeutic targets for endometriosis. METHODS Online databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Embase via Ovid, and Google Scholar, were searched using MeSH terms. Two independent authors screened the articles, extracted the data, and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. GO and KEGG analyses were performed to identify the pathways that were significantly enriched. Protein‑protein interaction and hub gene selection analyses were also conducted to identify biomarker networks for endometriosis. RESULTS Twenty-six observational studies with a total of 2,486 participants were included. A total of 644 differentially expressed proteins (180 upregulated and 464 downregulated) were identified from 9 studies. Proteins in peripheral blood exhibited a sensitivity and specificity of 38-100% and 59-99%, respectively, for detecting endometriosis, while proteins in urine had a sensitivity of 58-91% and specificity of 76-93%. Alpha-1-antitrypsin, albumin, and vitamin D binding proteins were significantly DEPs in both serum and urine. Complement C3 is commonly expressed in serum, menstrual blood, and cervical mucus. Additionally, S100-A8 is commonly expressed in both menstrual blood and cervical mucus. Haptoglobin is commonly detected in both serum and plasma, whereas cathepsin G is found in urine, serum, and plasma. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that proteoglycans in cancer pathways, which regulate cell-to-cell interactions, modulate the extracellular matrix, and promote the proliferation and invasion of endometrial cells, are commonly enriched in serum and urine. CONCLUSION This comprehensive study revealed potential proteomes that were significantly differentially expressed in women with endometriosis utilizing various non-invasive clinical samples. Exploring common differentially expressed proteins in various biological samples provides insights into the diagnosis and pathophysiology of endometriosis, as well as potential clinical and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getnet Gedefaw Azeze
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia
| | - Ling Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Bekalu Kassie Alemu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Wing Fong Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Linda Wen Ying Fung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Eva Chun Wai Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR.
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR.
- School of Biomedical Sciences; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences; Chinese University of Hong Kong - Sichuan University Joint Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR.
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Sharifipour F, Mohaghegh Z, Javanbakht Z, Siahkal SF, Azizi F. The relationship between hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and endometriosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Health 2024; 21:91. [PMID: 38926850 PMCID: PMC11201780 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01833-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating disease that can affect the entire reproductive life course of women, with potential adverse effects on pregnancy. The aim of the present study is to investigate the association between hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and endometriosis. METHOD Relevant articles were searched from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from inception up to December 2023. The full-text observational studies published in English that had a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis were included. The case group included pregnant women diagnosed with endometriosis at any stage, while the control group consisted of pregnant women who had not been previously diagnosed with endometriosis. Two authors extracted and analyzed the data independently. Disagreements were reconciled by reviewing the full text by a third author. Endnote X9 was used for screening and data extraction. We used fixed and random effects models in Review Manager 5.3 to analyze the pooled data. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. RESULTS Out of the 9863 articles reviewed, 23 were selected for meta-analysis. According to the results of this study, there was an association between endometriosis and gestational hypertension (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.16; I2 = 45%, P < 0.00001; N = 8), pre-eclampsia (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.36; I2 = 37%, P < 0.00001; N = 12), and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.21; I2 = 8%, P = 0.0001; N = 8). CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed that endometriosis may elevate the risk of developing gestational hypertensive disorders. Raising awareness of this issue will help to identify effective strategies for screening and early diagnosis of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foruzan Sharifipour
- Clinical Research Development Center, Motazedi Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Zaynab Mohaghegh
- Family Health Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Javanbakht
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Motazedi Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Shahla Faal Siahkal
- Department of Midwifery, Marand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marand, Iran.
| | - Faeze Azizi
- Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Donatti L, Podgaec S, Baracat EC. Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in treating women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain: A randomized trial. J Health Psychol 2024:13591053241240198. [PMID: 38566501 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241240198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This study seeks to assess the efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in enhancing coping strategies, alleviating depression, stress, pain perception, and improving the quality of life for women with endometriosis. About 52 patients randomized, categorized into an intervention group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 27) filled out the instruments. A significant positive change was observed in all variables studied within the intervention group compared to the control group. This study introduced a psychological treatment protocol focused on refining coping strategies using CBT techniques. Following the promotion of adaptive coping, there was an improvement in scores related to depression, stress, quality of life, perception of pain, and emotional distress. This suggests that CBT is effective in enhancing the overall emotional wellbeing of women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Donatti
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), Brazil
| | - Sergio Podgaec
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), Brazil
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Ali AM, Alameri RA, Brooks T, Ali TS, Ibrahim N, Khatatbeh H, Pakai A, Alkhamees AA, Al-Dossary SA. Cut-off scores of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-8: Implications for improving the management of chronic pain. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:8054-8062. [PMID: 37674274 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Mental distress, non-specific symptoms of depression and anxiety, is common in chronic pelvic pain (CPP). It contributes to poor recovery. Women's health nurses operate in multidisciplinary teams to facilitate the assessment and treatment of CPP. However, valid cut-off points for identifying highly distressed patients are lacking, entailing a gap in CPP management. DESIGN This instrumental cross-sectional study identified a statistically derived cut-off score for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-8 (DASS-8) among 214 Australian women with CPP (mean age = 33.3, SD = 12.4, range = 13-71 years). METHODS Receiver operator characteristic curve, decision trees and K-means clustering techniques were used to examine the predictive capacity of the DASS-8 for psychiatric comorbidity, pain severity, any medication intake, analgesic intake and sexual abuse. The study is prepared according to the STROBE checklist. RESULTS Cut-off points resulting from the analysis were ordered ascendingly. The median (13.0) was chosen as an optimal cut-off score for predicting key outcomes. Women with DASS-8 scores below 15.5 had higher analgesic intake. CONCLUSION CPP women with a DASS-8 score above 13.0 express greater pain severity, psychiatric comorbidity and polypharmacy. Thus, they may be a specific target for nursing interventions dedicated to alleviating pain through the management of associated co-morbidities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PATIENT CARE At a cut-off point of 13.0, the DASS-8 may be a practical instrument for recommending a thorough clinician-based examination for psychiatric comorbidity to facilitate adequate CPP management. It may be useful for evaluating patients' response to nursing pain management efforts. Replications of the study in different populations/countries are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Mohammed Ali
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Rana Ali Alameri
- Fundamentals of Nursing Department, College of Nursing, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tiffany Brooks
- University of Adelaide and Aware Women's Health, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tazeen Saeed Ali
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Nashwa Ibrahim
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Annamaria Pakai
- Institute of Nursing Sciences, Basic Health Sciences and Health Visiting, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Abdulmajeed A Alkhamees
- Department of Medicine, Unayzah College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Unayzah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed A Al-Dossary
- Psychology Department, College of Education, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
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Wang TM, Lee YL, Chung CH, Sun CA, Kang CY, Wu GJ, Chien WC. Association Between Endometriosis and Mental Disorders Including Psychiatric Disorders, Suicide, and All-Cause Mortality -A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study in Taiwan. Int J Womens Health 2023; 15:1865-1882. [PMID: 38046265 PMCID: PMC10693200 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s430252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective A multitude of previous studies has substantiated that endometriosis correlated highly with psychiatric health. This study aims to investigate the association between endometriosis and psychiatric health. Methods Utilizing the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, 100,770 enrolled participants, including 20,154 patients with endometriosis and 80,616 in the control group (1:4), matched for age, and index date from Taiwan's Longitudinal Health Insurance Database between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015. The Cox proportional regression model was used to compare the risk of mental disorders during the 16 years of follow-up after adjusting for confounding factors. Results Of the study patients, 4083 (20.26%) developed mental disorders; 9225 of the 80,616 controls (11.44%) developed mental disorders. The Cox regression demonstrated that, after adjusting for age, monthly income, urbanization level, etc., people with endometriosis are more likely to suffer from mental disorders compared to those without endometriosis (hazard ratio [HR]=2.131; 95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.531-2.788; p<0.001). The result illustrated that women over 40 years old had a more significant risk. Conclusion Compared to people without endometriosis, this study provides evidence that patients with endometriosis are at a 2.131-fold higher risk of developing mental disorders, especially in elder women. Regular psychiatric follow-up might be needed for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsan-Min Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Liang Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kang Ning Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chi-Hsiang Chung
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan
- Taiwanese Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Association (TIPSPA), Taipei, 11490, Taiwan
| | - Chien-An Sun
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Big Data Research Center, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chieh-Yi Kang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Chi Mei Medical Center Gynecologic Oncologist Division, Tainan City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Gwo-Jang Wu
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Chien Chien
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan
- Taiwanese Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Association (TIPSPA), Taipei, 11490, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, 11490,Taiwan
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Dowding C, Mikocka-Walus A, Skvarc D, Van Niekerk L, O'Shea M, Olive L, Druitt M, Evans S. The temporal effect of emotional distress on psychological and physical functioning in endometriosis: A 12-month prospective study. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2023; 15:901-918. [PMID: 36333097 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Psychological factors of emotional distress and cognition have an important role in the understanding and management of endometriosis; however, their temporal relationship with key pain variables is not fully understood. This exploratory study sought to establish the temporal relationship between psychological and pain-related factors in a 12-month prospective study of 208 Australian women with endometriosis. Participants, aged 18-50 years and living in Australia, were recruited via social media and completed baseline (May 2019) and 12-month follow-up (June 2020) surveys. Participants who reported a diagnosis of endometriosis and menses in the past 12 months were included in the study. Structural equation modelling was used to determine the temporal effects of psychological and pain-related factors in endometriosis. In a covariate-adjusted model, baseline emotional distress was the only variable to predict pain catastrophizing (β = .24, p < .01), functional pain disability (β = .16, p < .05) and concomitant emotional distress (β = .55, p < .001) 12 months later, adjusting for age and chronic illness. Women who exhibit symptoms of distress may be at risk of poorer psychological and physical function at 12 months. Further research is required to understand the impact of psychological management early in the disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonina Mikocka-Walus
- School of Psychology, Deakin University Geelong, Geelong, Australia
- Faculty of Health, The Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - David Skvarc
- School of Psychology, Deakin University Geelong, Geelong, Australia
| | - Leesa Van Niekerk
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Melissa O'Shea
- School of Psychology, Deakin University Geelong, Geelong, Australia
| | - Lisa Olive
- School of Psychology, Deakin University Geelong, Geelong, Australia
- Faculty of Health, The Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- IMPACT Institute, Faculty of Health, Deakin University Geelong, Geelong, Australia
| | - Marilla Druitt
- University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Subhadra Evans
- School of Psychology, Deakin University Geelong, Geelong, Australia
- Faculty of Health, The Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Cetera GE, Merli CEM, Facchin F, Viganò P, Pesce E, Caprara F, Vercellini P. Non-response to first-line hormonal treatment for symptomatic endometriosis: overcoming tunnel vision. A narrative review. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:347. [PMID: 37391793 PMCID: PMC10311799 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02490-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
One-fourth to one-third of women with endometriosis receiving first-line hormonal treatment lacks an adequate response in terms of resolution of painful symptoms. This phenomenon has been ascribed to "progesterone resistance", an entity that was theorized to explain the gap between the ubiquity of retrograde menstruation and the 10% prevalence of endometriosis among women of reproductive age.Nevertheless, the hypothesis of progesterone resistance is not free of controversies. As our understanding of endometriosis is increasing, authors are starting to set aside the traditionally accepted tunnel vision of endometriosis as a strictly pelvic disease, opening to a more comprehensive perspective of the condition. The question is: are patients not responding to first-line treatment because they have an altered signaling pathway for such treatment, or have we been overlooking a series of other pain contributors which may not be resolved by hormonal therapy?Finding an answer to this question is evermore impelling, for two reasons mainly. Firstly, because not recognizing the presence of further pain contributors adds a delay in treatment to the already existing delay in diagnosis of endometriosis. This may lead to chronicity of the untreated pain contributors as well as causing adverse consequences on quality of life and psychological health. Secondly, misinterpreting the consequences of untreated pain contributors as a non-response to standard first-line treatment may imply the adoption of second-line medical therapies or of surgery, which may entail non-negligible side effects and may not be free of physical, psychological and socioeconomic repercussions.The current narrative review aims at providing an overview of all the possible pain contributors in endometriosis, ranging from those strictly organic to those with a greater neuro-psychological component. Including these aspects in a broader psychobiological approach may provide useful suggestions for treating those patients who report persistent pain symptoms despite receiving first-line hormonal medical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Emily Cetera
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Federica Facchin
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Viganò
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Pesce
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Caprara
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Vercellini
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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van Stein K, Schubert K, Ditzen B, Weise C. Understanding Psychological Symptoms of Endometriosis from a Research Domain Criteria Perspective. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4056. [PMID: 37373749 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12124056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is currently the second most common gynecological disease and is associated with severe pain, vegetative impairment, and infertility. In association, there are considerable psychological symptoms that limit the quality of life of those affected. In this narrative review, the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework was utilized to display the different transdiagnostic processes involved in disease progression and maintenance in regard to psychosocial functioning. Using the RDoC framework, it becomes clear that immune/endocrinological dysregulation is interlocked with (pelvic) pain chronification processes and psychological symptoms such as depressive mood, loss of control, higher vigilance toward the onset or worsening of symptoms, social isolation, and catastrophizing. This paper will discuss and identify promising treatment approaches, in addition to medical care, as well as further research implications. Endometriosis can come with substantial psychosomatic and social burden, requiring more research to understand the interdependence of different factors involved in its chronic development pathway. However, it is already clear that standard care should be extended with multifaceted treatments addressing pain, as well as the psychological and social burden, in order to halt the cycle of aggravation of symptoms and to improve quality of life for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina van Stein
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Institute for Medical Psychology, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Behavioral and Cultural Studies, Ruprecht Karls-University, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Schubert
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Beate Ditzen
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Institute for Medical Psychology, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Behavioral and Cultural Studies, Ruprecht Karls-University, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Weise
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
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Mallorquí A, Martínez-Zamora MA, Carmona F. Anhedonia in endometriosis: An unexplored symptom. Front Psychol 2022; 13:935349. [PMID: 36118502 PMCID: PMC9481352 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.935349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Anhedonia is the diminished motivation and sensitivity to pleasurable stimuli. It has been reported to be more prevalent in patients with chronic pain as compared to healthy controls. Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease with a significant psychosocial impact that compromises wellbeing and the day-to-day life of patients. Women with endometriosis show significant psychological distress, even more pervasive when chronic pelvic pain is present. In the current review we will discuss the role of anhedonia in endometriotic chronic pelvic pain. We will also present new lines of research that could lead to more fully clarifying the psychological impact of endometriosis and its detrimental repercussions to quality of life and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Mallorquí
- Clinical Health Psychology Section, Institute of Neuroscience (ICN), Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María-Angeles Martínez-Zamora
- Department of Gynecology, Clinic Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Institut d´Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: María-Angeles Martínez-Zamora,
| | - Francisco Carmona
- Department of Gynecology, Clinic Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Institut d´Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for improving health-related quality of life in patients with endometriosis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:300. [PMID: 35414092 PMCID: PMC9006397 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06204-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The trial investigates the efficacy of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) in improving health-related QoL in patients with endometriosis, which is a chronic gynecological condition affecting up to 15% of people with female-assigned reproductive organs. Endometriosis is stress-related and comes with various physical symptoms such as pelvic pain and infertility. It has a substantial impact on health-related quality of life (QoL), and mind-body interventions seem promising in reducing the psychological burden. Methods This is a monocentric randomized-controlled trial recruiting 120 patients with endometriosis. The intervention consists of eight iCBT modules focusing on psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, pacing, and emotion regulation. Participants will receive written feedback from a trained therapist weekly. The comparator is a waitlist control group. All participants will be followed up 3 months after the intervention, and the intervention group will additionally be followed up 12 months after the intervention. Trial participants will not be blinded to the allocated trial arm. Primary outcome measures are endometriosis-related QoL, pain, and pain-related disability. Secondary outcomes include coping, illness representations, and psychological flexibility. Statistical analyses will be performed following intention-to-treat principles. Discussion This randomized-controlled trial is the first trial to test the efficacy of iCBT for improving endometriosis-related QoL. Potential predictor variables and key mechanisms in treatment will be investigated to enable further progression in medical and psychological care for patients with endometriosis. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05098444 Registered on October 28, 2021
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Gynecological Health Concerns in Women with Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: A Narrative Review of Recent Studies. WOMEN 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/women2010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex and age are important factors influencing physical and mental health in schizophrenia. Our goal was to review the recent literature for associations between gynecological conditions and psychotic illness and to propose integrated strategies for their management in order to improve overall health outcomes in women. We addressed the following questions: What are the prevalence and risk factors of gynecological disorders in women with schizophrenia or delusional disorder (DD)? What are the rates of uptake of gynecological cancer screening and mortality in this population? What role does menopause play? We found an increased incidence of breast cancer in women with schizophrenia. Other gynecological comorbidities were less frequent, but the field has been understudied. Low rates of breast and cervical cancer screening characterize women with schizophrenia. Menopause, because of endocrine changes, aging effects, and resultant comorbidity is associated with high rates of aggressive breast cancer in this population. Uterine and ovarian cancers have been less investigated. Psychosocial determinants of health play an important role in cancer survival. The findings lead to the recommendation that primary care, psychiatry, gynecology, oncology, and endocrinology collaborate in early case finding, in research into etiological links, and in improvement of prevention and treatment.
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González-Mesa E, Moya-Bejarano D, Butrón-Hinojo CA, Marín-Sánchez P, Blasco-Alonso M, Jimenez-López JS, Villegas-Muñoz E, Lubián-López DM. Correlates of Sexual Function in a Sample of Spanish Women with Endometriosis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4957. [PMID: 34768476 PMCID: PMC8584302 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the present study, we aim to report on the sexual function of women experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, analysing the clinical and psychosocial factors that may be associated. METHODS A multicentre cross-sectional study was performed to analyse the sexual function in a sample of 196 Spanish women with endometriosis, using the Female Sexual Function Inventory. RESULTS The Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) was validated in our endometriosis study group. The mean FSFI score for the sample was 22.5 (SD 6.6), with 20.9 and 26.9 being in the 25th and 75th percentiles, respectively. Although physical sexual pain and dyspareunia were factors that influenced the sexual function of women with endometriosis, our results show that the impairment was multifactorial. CONCLUSIONS We found impaired sexual function in women diagnosed with endometriosis. The final model included deep endometriosis, depression, age, and unemployment as strongest predictive factors for poor (deteriorated) sexual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto González-Mesa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Malaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29011 Málaga, Spain; (M.B.-A.); (J.S.J.-L.); (E.V.-M.)
| | - Davinia Moya-Bejarano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29011 Málaga, Spain; (M.B.-A.); (J.S.J.-L.); (E.V.-M.)
| | | | - Pilar Marín-Sánchez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Marta Blasco-Alonso
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29011 Málaga, Spain; (M.B.-A.); (J.S.J.-L.); (E.V.-M.)
| | - Jesús Salvador Jimenez-López
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29011 Málaga, Spain; (M.B.-A.); (J.S.J.-L.); (E.V.-M.)
| | - Emilia Villegas-Muñoz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29011 Málaga, Spain; (M.B.-A.); (J.S.J.-L.); (E.V.-M.)
| | - Daniel María Lubián-López
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Jerez de la Frontera, 11407 Cádiz, Spain;
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