Background: During peri- and postmenopause there is a high prevalence of psychological symptoms such as emotional instability, depressive moods, anxiety, sleep disorders, and sexual dysfunction. Aetiologically relevant factors for discomfort are decline of sex hormones and psychosocial factors such as lifestyle, attitude towards menopause, pre-menopausal mental health and sociocultural factors. In contrast to the relevance of psychosocial factors, there are few studies on psychological interventions. The present study evaluates an open trial of cognitive-behavioural group intervention consisting of psychoeducation, group discussion and coping skills training for women suffering from climacteric symptoms. Methods: Thirty women were enrolled in this first trial. Standardised (MRS, HADS-D, Partnership Questionnaire, McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire) and especially developed (‘Attitudes Towards the Menopause’) instruments were administered 3 times, twice before (T1 and T2) and once after the group intervention (T3). General linear model repeated measures were used to analyse changes in questionnaire measures. Results: Taking the average of the two pre-intervention scores, significant improvements were observed in anxiety (p < 0.01), depression (p < 0.02), partnership relations (p < 0.02), overall score of sexuality (p < 0.02), hot flashes (p < 0.01) and cardiac complaints (p < 0.01) from pre- to post-intervention. No changes were found for sexual satisfaction and stressfulness of menopausal symptoms. Conclusions: This pilot study points at a possible effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural interventions for the treatment of climacteric syndrome. Further studies will have to use randomised trials, comparing different treatments (HRT, phyto-oestrogens, relaxation training, discussion groups) for their effectiveness.

Abstract

Background

Psychosocial Primary Care (PPC) is a model of service delivery for patients with mental disorders and psychosocial problems which was established in Germany in 1987. This study was performed as part of the evaluation of a PPC training program. We investigated patients' expectations of the psychosocial treatment offered by GPs trained in PPC.

Methods

Ten general practitioners trained in PPC were randomly selected. Two hundred and twenty patients were surveyed in the waiting room regarding their expectations concerning psychological treatment.

Results

Eighty-five per cent of patients could envisage making use of psychosocial treatments. Counselling by the GP was considered most important (65%). Fifty-four per cent of patients indicated that there was sufficient counselling, but further distinctions revealed dissatisfaction with both the extent and content of the counselling. Lack of time was the most frequent reason (53%) cited for insufficient counselling. A willingness to discuss the psychological aspects of illness was exhibited by between 55% (current illness) and 79% of patients. Two-thirds of patients believed that discussing psychological aspects and counselling by the doctor could exert a healing effect or contribute to symptomatic improvement in physical illnesses. Younger patients and patients with experience in psychotherapy expected referral to mental health services.

Conclusions

Primary care patients desire and accept psychological treatment from their GP. Training in psychosocial competence in primary care should be offered more frequently.