PSYCHOSOCIAL-ASPECTS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS - A REVIEW

This paper reviews present knowledge and future research needs regarding the relationship between psychosocial factors and endometriosis. Two central areas are reviewed: psychosocial factors which research suggests may be implicated in the etiology of endometriosis; and the psychological impact of the disease. The general dearth of data from population-based, longitudinal or other substantive studies means that the results of many studies should be treated with considerable caution. In particular, studies seeking to investigate possible psychological causes by comparing patients with endometriosis with other populations are misleading given the probable psychological impact of endometrosis on the woman concerned. There is more general agreement that endometriosis can be emotionally debilitating and future research could be usefully directed towards a clearer understanding of the psychological impact of the disease, coping resources and counseling needs.