Psychological adaptation in women with endometriosis: current knowledge and future research perspectives

ABSTRACT

This short report aims to present current knowledge on endometriosis. The daily repercussions of endometriosis and their impact on women’s psychological state, the resentment often expressed towards doctors associated with diagnosis delay, influencing both appropriation and adaptation to the disease and driving women mainly to self-manage are discussed. Directions for research and intervention include the need to devise a comprehensive strategy in collaboration with stakeholders and to examine targeted study areas more thoroughly, notably related to work environment management, dietary changes and their consequences or the social representation of endometriosis among physicians, are proposed.

KEYWORDS:

• Endometriosis
• coping
• disease adaptation

Key message

Psychological adaptation to endometriosis greatly depends on whether healthcare practitioners and relatives recognize women’s pain and suffering. Combining patient-centered clinical approaches (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) with strategies targeting stakeholders is a promising avenue for improving women’s quality-of-life.

Ethical approval

This article does not contain any studies with human participants performed by any of the authors.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the reviewers, and Mélodie for her critical review of our manuscript regarding endometriosis aspects. Many thanks also to Mrs. Anne Greaves for her professional English proofreading.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This study was not funded.