Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in treating women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain: A randomized trial

J Health Psychol. 2024 Apr 2:13591053241240198. doi: 10.1177/13591053241240198. Online ahead of print.

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.

Keywords: chronic pelvic pain; cognitive behavioral therapy; coping; endometriosis; quality of life.