Effects of Cognitive-Behavioral techniques on hot flushes, depression and anxiety related to menopause in Spanish women

Abstract

Background: Menopause is associated with a wide variety of physical and psychological symptoms. The main complaints are focused on those related to vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes). Correlation among hot flushes, depression and anxiety have also been reported. The high percent of Spanish women complaining of these incapacitating symptoms, lead to research more in depth to find a successful treatment. Objectives: To investigate the effects cognitivebehavioural techniques on Spanish woman suffering from menopausal symptoms. Methods: 53 women ages from 42 to 55 years were assigned to experimental or control group. Experimental groups were trained in three different centres depending on the women´s location; therefore it was an incidental sample. Each group was led by two therapists. All women presented from moderate to severe hot flushes measured by the Blatt’s Kupperman Index (BKMI), also they experienced anxiety and depression symptoms assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Experimental group attended during eight weeks a full training on behavioural-cognitive techniques. Results: Experimental group showed a significant reduction on BKMI (t27=8, 71; p<0.001), anxiety (t27=6.11; p<0,001) and depression (t27= 3.41; p< 0,001) symptoms, control group did not exhibit any reduction. Therapist effects were also tested, no differences were found. Discussion: The application of the program has shown to be effective reducing menopausal symptoms and improving life quality.text