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Psychological interventions for endometriosis-related symptoms: a systematic review with narrative data synthesis

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Abstract

Endometriosis impacts the physical, psychological and quality of life domains of women. Despite the medical and/or surgical management of endometriosis, the presence of persistent pelvic pain and psychological distress often continues, suggesting a role for psychological interventions in treatment planning. The present study aimed to conduct the first systematic review, with narrative data synthesis, on psychological interventions for endometriosis-related symptoms. The study also aimed to determine the effectiveness of current interventions in resolving psychological and pain-related loss of function associated with endometriosis and to identify gaps in the literature requiring further research. A total of 15,816 studies were retrieved through database searching and handsearching, with two researchers identifying 11 full-text studies that met inclusion criteria. Three studies of ‘moderate’ quality were identified, although the overall quality of studies was found to be ‘weak’, with a ‘high’ risk of bias. The findings regarding the effectiveness of psychological interventions for endometriosis-related symptoms remain inconclusive. Further research into psychological interventions for women with endometriosis that employ evidence-based protocols with high intervention integrity is recommended.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Health and Medicine, Division of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia

    Leesa Van Niekerk, Bronwyn Weaver-Pirie & Mandy Matthewson

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  1. Leesa Van Niekerk
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  2. Bronwyn Weaver-Pirie
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  3. Mandy Matthewson
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Correspondence to Leesa Van Niekerk.

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Van Niekerk, L., Weaver-Pirie, B. & Matthewson, M. Psychological interventions for endometriosis-related symptoms: a systematic review with narrative data synthesis. Arch Womens Ment Health 22, 723–735 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-019-00972-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-019-00972-6

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