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Menopause Relief: How CBT and Mindfulness Boost Mood, Cognition, and Quality of Life
The Effectiveness of Psychosocial Interventions on Non-Physiological Symptoms of Menopause: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal of Affective Disorders, 2024
Menopause, a significant life stage for women, can result in distressing physiological and non-physiological symptoms that substantially impact women’s overall wellbeing.
The positive effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on symptoms of depression and anxiety have been well documented. Additionally, CBT’s recognized benefits in treating insomnia further demonstrate its broad therapeutic potential.
This meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of CBT and Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI) on non-physiological symptoms of menopause (depression, anxiety, cognition, and quality of life).
The analysis showed mood symptoms significantly benefited from CBT and psychosocial interventions also significantly improved cognition and quality of life. In summary, the findings highlight CBT and related psychosocial interventions as promising, cost-effective options to alleviate key menopausal symptoms and improve overall wellbeing.
Highlights from the Study
“The average ‘dose’ of CBT in terms of frequency and duration was notably lower than that of MBI… this difference is likely to have significant cost implications, which may as a result favour CBT as the treatment of choice.
“An additional benefit to a lower dose therapy is the cost-benefit ratio to the patients, with busy women perhaps more likely to adhere to briefer interventions, which also enable reduced time away from other activities such as work.”
“It is… essential to establish appropriate public understanding around menopause and improve access to timely interventions.”
“Empowering women to develop and apply new coping strategies and more positive thinking styles is likely to have added additional benefits beyond that from purely biological (hormonal) treatments.”
At the Feeling Good Institute, we use an advanced form of CBT proven to be effective in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Our personalized interventions not only alleviate symptoms, but also equip clients with lasting skills and strategies to enhance their quality of life.
Learn about the essential skills for effective cognitive behavior therapy and how we set therapists up for success.
Research Brief Author: Amy Maisterra, Ed.D, LCSW, LICSW
Citation: Spector, A., Li, Z., He, L., Badawy, Y., & Desai, R. (2024). The effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on non-physiological symptoms of menopause: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 352, 460–472. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.048