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Psychotherapy in Patients With Endometriosis: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Versus Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Sponsor: Fiammetta Cosci
Summary
The aim of the present study is to compare two types of psychotherapeutic interventions in women with endometriosis and/or adenomyosis: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). The study will examine whether these therapies differ in their effects on health-related quality of life. It will include women with a recent diagnosis and women who have been living with the diagnosis for a longer time. The main questions are: * Do CBT and ACT differ in their effects on health-related quality of life? * Do the two therapies differ in their effects on pain-related difficulties, emotional well-being, fatigue, sexual functioning, and other aspects of daily life? Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either CBT or ACT. Both groups will attend eight therapy sessions, held every two weeks. Participants will complete online questionnaires before treatment, after session 4, after treatment, and 3 and 6 months after treatment. The questionnaires will assess quality of life, pain, emotional well-being, and other aspects of health and daily functioning. The study will take place at the Endometriosis Centre of Careggi University Hospital in Florence, Italy. Eligible participants must be women aged 18 or older who are receiving care at this centre and have a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis and/or adenomyosis based on medical assessment. They must have been on stable medication treatment for at least 3 months, speak and write Italian fluently, have internet access, and be able to provide informed consent. Women with a current psychiatric diagnosis or who are currently receiving psychotherapy are not eligible to participate in the study.
Official title: Testing Efficacy of Psychotherapeutic Interventions in Patients With ENDOmetriosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
128
Start Date
2027-01-01
Completion Date
2028-10-31
Last Updated
2026-10-30
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered over 8 biweekly sessions, including psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, behavioral strategies, and homework assignments. The intervention addresses physical pain, mental pain and psychological distress, relational and functional difficulties, and maladaptive cognitions. The session structure differs between Study 1 and Study 2.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) delivered over 8 biweekly sessions, including psychoeducation, experiential techniques, values-based action, and behavioral practice. The intervention addresses physical pain, mental pain and psychological distress, relational and functional difficulties, and maladaptive cognitions, while promoting psychological flexibility. The session structure differs between Study 1 and Study 2.
Locations (1)
Endometriosis Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi University Hospital (AOUC)
Florence, FI, Italy