The psychopathological repercussions on patients faced with pain: A focus on endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic and progressive gynecological disease that affects 1 to 2 out of 10 women of childbearing age in France. The objective of this research was to understand the factors determining the quality of life of the patients who experience significant pain symptoms (75%), distinguished by the extent and depth of the lesions. The second objective was to evaluate the psychological repercussions of this pain. We will therefore assess the various psychological processes involved in explaining quality of life.

In total, 1039 women aged 18-55 years completed a self-administered questionnaire, assessing different types of pain and intensity, body image (BIS), self-esteem (Rosenberg), anxiety-depressive symptomatology (HAD), and quality of life (SF-36). Socio-biographical and medical characteristics of the patients were also assessed.

Analyses of variance showed that patients with chronic pain had lower self-esteem and body image, more anxiety-depressive symptoms, and a poorer quality of life than women with cyclic pain and those without pain. Regression analyses showed that the determinants of physical and mental quality of life differed significantly according to the type of pain experienced.

The consequences of the pain associated with endometriosis reveal multiple problems that can be considered from a new perspective. Although psychological disorders can be a response to pain phenomena they can also contribute to their increase. This is where the challenge lies in providing comprehensive care.