Comorbidities of Endometriosis with Anxiety and Depressive Disorders in Women

Abstract

Using a meta-analysis, this paper explores the comorbidity between endometriosis and mental distress in women. Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes endometrial proliferation outside of the uterus. This is known to cause moderate to severe pain and discomfort in women. Women with endometriosis have higher levels of depression, anxiety, and alexithymia. (Litta, Agus, Nappi, Melis, 2015) By using a meta-analysis, I was able to learn about the past explanations of this comorbidity and I was able to look at the trends across both psychological and biological studies as well as both qualitative and quantitative data. I found that there are many potential explanations for the correlation of mental distress and endometriosis in women. Some of these explanations include: an immunological response, the adverse effects of treatment, the attitudes of doctors, and the limited research on the issue. This paper explores the correlation of mental distress and endometriosis, the potential explanation(s) of this correlation, as well as the current and proposed treatment.. There is limited research on this correlation, and there is even less research on what can be done to help these women. The goal of this research project is to create awareness of the complexity and importance of the issue and evoke future psychological research questions.