Research review shows links between gynaecological pain and psychiatric conditions
Women with gynaecological pain conditions such as endometriosis and vulvodynia have a significantly higher prevalence of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD and autism. This is shown in a new review commissioned by the Swedish Gender Equality Agency and produced by researchers at, among others, the Centre for Psychiatric Research. The report also highlights major knowledge gaps and the need for more coordinated research and care.
The report Co-occurrence of Psychiatric Conditions and Gynaecological Pain – A Knowledge Overview was produced on behalf of the Swedish Gender Equality Agency as part of the national strategy for mental health and suicide prevention. The work was carried out by Maria Hedman-Lagerlöf and Ida Flink, both researchers at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, KI, and Elin Ekholm, of Örebro University.
The researchers systematically mapped the scientific evidence on comorbidity between psychiatric conditions and chronic gynaecological pain in adult women. The results show that women with gynaecological pain conditions have a clearly higher incidence of psychiatric diagnoses than women without pain. At the same time, the research indicates that women with psychiatric diagnoses are at increased risk of developing gynaecological pain.
“Comorbidity between psychiatric conditions and gynaecological pain is associated with considerable suffering, reduced quality of life and an increased risk of long-term disability. Despite this, much remains unknown about how these conditions interact and how healthcare can best meet patients’ needs,” says Ida Flink, adjunct lecturer at the Centre for Psychiatric Research and the Department of Clinical Neuroscience.
Comorbidity between gynaecological pain and psychiatric conditions affects not only individual health and quality of life. It is well established that the combination of long-term pain and psychiatric conditions is associated with an increased risk of sickness absence, disability and extensive care needs, which also entails significant costs for society. According to the researchers, limited knowledge risks leading to psychiatric and somatic symptoms being treated separately, even though they often occur together.
Major knowledge gaps remain
The report identifies several significant knowledge gaps. Among other things, there is a lack of research on the psychological processes that may contribute to the development and persistence of both gynaecological pain and psychiatric conditions. The researchers also found that there are virtually no studies on how women living with both psychiatric conditions and gynaecological pain experience their contact with healthcare services.
The review highlights the need for more research on comorbidity, risk factors and possible mechanisms underlying these conditions. The authors also emphasise the importance of a more integrated approach in which mental and physical health are viewed as parts of the same care needs.
“The report highlights significant knowledge gaps and shows the need for further research. For the Centre for Psychiatric Research, this is an important first step in developing new research initiatives on comorbidity between psychiatric conditions and long-term gynaecological pain,” says Nitya Jayaram-Lindström, director of the Centre for Psychiatric Research.
The report provides in-depth knowledge about an important but often overlooked area and shows the need for increased collaboration between psychiatry, gynaecology and other parts of the healthcare system to better meet patients’ needs.