Analysis of psychopathological comorbidity behind the common symptoms and signs of endometriosis

Abstract

Objective: The present study was aimed to investigate quality of life, negative emotions, such as anger, anxiety and depression, and possible psychopathological comorbidity in patients affected by endometriosis.

Study design: We undertook a prospective, cohort study between October 2013 and February 2014. We selected patients with histologically confirmed ovarian endometriosis (Endometriosis Group) and with other benign adnexal diseases (Control Group) who underwent laparoscopic surgery. Participants underwent a psychometric assessment using the following self-report instruments: Symptom Checklist-90-R, State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Quality of Life Index.

Results: The Endometriosis Group was formed by 166 patients (mean age: 36±6 yrs) matched with 48 controls (mean age: 38.4±12.8 yrs). Somatization (p=0.02), depression (p=0.01), sensitivity (p=0.04) and phobic anxiety (p=0.04) were higher in Endometriosis Group than in Control Group. Endometriosis Group was further characterized by significantly higher levels of anxiety than Control Group (p=0.03) as assessed by Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. Regarding Quality of Life Index, a significant health decline in Endometriosis Group compared with Control Group (p=0.008) was found.

Conclusion: Higher levels of somatization, depression, sensitivity and anxiety were found in Endometriosis Group compared with Control Group.

Keywords: Anger; Anxiety; Depression; Endometriosis; Psychopathological comorbidity; Quality of life.