Cognitive behavior therapy for menopausal hot flashes: two case reports

Two case reports of women treated with an individual cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) for menopausal hot flashes are presented. Both women reported substantial improvements in the number of hot flashes experienced as well as in their quality of life as measured by the Menopause Quality of Life Scale (MENQOL), the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A). Improvements in hot flashes and quality of life were maintained 6 months after treatment ended. It is hypothesized that CBT reduces hot flashes by reducing central sympathetic activation, perceptions of stress, and self-critical thoughts. The long-term efficacy of CBT for hot flashes should be examined in large controlled clinical trials.