Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Treat Menopausal Symptoms

Depression and insomnia are one of the many problems that thousands of peri- and postmenopausal women struggle with every day. Cognitive behavioral therapy might provide relief for these women, says a new study from the University of Texas. The study results will be presented during The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Annual Meeting in Philadelphia.

Insomnia is a frequently cited problem, affecting 30-60% of peri- and postmenopausal women. Depressive symptoms are nearly equally prevalent, affecting 25-40% of this female population. Over the years, medical professionals have proposed a number of treatment options to relieve one or both of these menopause symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is one alternative that has shown tremendous potential in treating menopausal insomnia. This new study, however, is the first to examine the effects of this same therapy on depressive symptoms. Cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia is a type of psychotherapy which targets negative thoughts and behaviors contributing to insomnia.

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‘Cognitive behavioral therapy showed positive results regardless of the severity of the depression.’

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The study provided promising results for a small group of participants. A four-session cognitive behavioral therapy intervention targeting both insomnia and hot flashes led to clinically meaningful improvements in sleep and depressive symptoms. The results were similar regardless of the severity of the depression.

"Given the high prevalence rates of insomnia and depressive symptoms in midlife women, we felt there was a need for more research to be done on the effectiveness of possible alternatives for treating these symptoms," says Dr. Sara Nowakowski, lead author of the study from the University of Texas Medical Branch.

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"The results of this study will hopefully lead to additional research to provide symptomatic menopausal women with more options than what were previously available," says Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, NAMS executive director."

Drs. Nowakowski and Pinkerton are available for interviews before the presentation at the Annual Meeting.

Source: Eurekalert