Endometriosis diagnosis linked to long-lasting mental health burden
Women who are later diagnosed with endometriosis have a markedly higher use of antidepressant and anxiety medication and are far more often in contact with psychiatric hospital departments than other women. This is not only the case after the diagnosis has been made. The pattern is already apparent 10 years earlier.
A Danish study published in Human Reproduction reveals a significant mental health burden for women diagnosed with endometriosis. The research, conducted by Aarhus University, analyzed data from 136,842 women and found that those later diagnosed with the condition use antidepressant and anxiety medication more frequently and consistently before, during, and after their diagnosis compared to women without endometriosis.
Specifically, women with endometriosis redeemed 29% more prescriptions for antidepressants and 16% more for anxiety medication in the years leading up to diagnosis. After diagnosis, the difference in medication use increased to 40% and 46% respectively. While the exact cause of the mental strain remains unclear, researchers suggest prolonged pain, uncertainty about the cause of symptoms, and frustration over lifestyle limitations may contribute.
Even after a diagnosis, women continue to experience more psychiatric hospital contacts and mental health challenges. One notable finding is that the mental health burden persists despite the relief a diagnosis can provide, as women grapple with managing a chronic illness. The study's lead researcher, Marie Josiasen, plans to investigate the role of hormonal contraception in mitigating the psychological impact of endometriosis.
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