What is CBT?
Physical pain isn’t the only challenge that those with endometriosis face and it can also have a huge impact on mental health. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy that can be used to help manage endometriosis symptoms through psychoeducation, and learning CBT techniques to reduce pain perception, decrease distress and improve quality of life.
CBT looks at our thoughts, feelings, behaviours and physical sensations and how they are all connected and form a vicious cycle. CBT focuses on the here and now, it does not look into past experiences, such as early childhood. By focusing on our thoughts and behaviours and changing how we think and act, this helps us break out of the vicious cycle which in turn has a positive impact on our mental health and quality of life.
CBT aims to equip individuals with the tools and techniques that can be used beyond treatment sessions. These require practice and the more practice you do means implementing techniques become easier when you need them most and you can continue to use them after therapy.
Previous research has shown that the use of CBT techniques such as psychoeducation, mindfulness and coping strategies improved pain and depression scores, reduced the perception of stress, improved functionality in daily life and quality of life and increased the sense of wellbeing in patients with endometriosis. It is important to note that CBT is not a cure for endometriosis, but it is an evidence-based, non-pharmacological treatment that can be used alongside other pain and self-management methods.
What is the role of CBT in EUmetriosis research?
As part of the EUmetriosis project, Pain in Endometriosis and the Relation to Lifestyle (PEARL) study from the Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands are exploring whether diet and CBT can reduce pain and inflammation in those with endometriosis. The role of CBT in the study is to address the complex interplay between pain, thoughts, emotions and behaviour (the biopsychosocial model of pain) and to reduce pain and improve quality of life in those with endometriosis by addressing this complex interplay. In participants who also follow the dietary intervention, CBT additionally supports lasting dietary changes. Participants will receive seven appointments with a psychotherapist to explore the biological link between endometriosis-related pain and stress, relaxation training, cognitive stress management, and management of anxiety, catastrophising and hypervigilance.
Why this research matters
With treatment options for endometriosis often feeling limited, research like this offers hope for additional ways to help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
The PEARL study aims to help us better understand how psychological support and lifestyle interventions can complement medical care, bringing us one step closer to more personalised, holistic treatment options for those living with endometriosis.