A cognitive-behavioral group intervention for menopausal women -: Results of a randomized controlled study

Background: Menopausal hot flushes are the most common symptoms of the climacteric period. Depending on frequency, duration, other somatic correlates and subjective appraisal they can be very annoying and unpleasant sensations. Hormonal replacement therapy ( HET) had long been considered safe for menopausal symptoms until recent studies revealed that it bears considerable risks. Thus, psychological treatment may be an alternative intervention to reduce menopausal stress. Patients and Methods: In a randomized controlled trial a 6-session group training (cognitive-behavioral intervention, n = 15) was evaluated in comparison to a waiting-list control group ( n = 13). Results: No significant changes in the frequency of hot flashes were observed in the treatment group as compared to the control group, but the negative impact of hot flashes on the women was greatly reduced. Also, life satisfaction and satisfaction with health improved significantly in the treatment group. Depression and psychosomatic complaints did not change significantly. The ( limited) efficacy of the intervention was supported by results of the subsequent treatment of the waiting-list control group. Conclusions: In view of the risks of HET, the results and the great acceptance of the intervention described encourage further development of this treatment and a more sophisticated research methodology regarding treatment evaluation.