Comparison of male and female perspective in couples involved in sexual relationships and facing endometriosis.

Background: While the sexuality of patients with endometriosis is an established topic in research, the possible effect of endometriosis on partnership sexuality has come to the fore only recently. To improve counseling, more information is needed on how both partners experience sexuality in the context of endometriosis. Aim: Previous research regarding endometriosis and sexuality normally focused on one partner to explore couples' intimate relations, whereas this study provides a comparison on both partners' perspectives on their common sexuality. Methods: An overall 302 couples received a questionnaire based on the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning and Sexual History Form, which was modified by endometriosis specialists to better focus on endometriosis-specific aspects. To detect different perspectives on common sexuality within the couple, the Wilcoxon test and the Pearson chi-square test were performed. Outcomes: Various aspects of couple sexuality were assessed by both partners to investigate divergent perspectives between the man and the woman within a couple. Results: On one hand, male and female partners seem to have divergent perspectives on sexual satisfaction in general, desired frequency of sexual contacts, and the question of the female partner engaging in sexual activity despite discomfort. On the other, they have similar perspectives on who takes initiative in sexual contacts, satisfaction with variety in the sexual relationship, and the impact of sexual limitations on their satisfaction within the partnership. Clinical implications: Endometriosis research addressing issues related to sexuality should include male partners; the same applies to consulting women with endometriosis in the context of their relationships rather than as individuals. Strengths and Limitations: This is the first analysis conducted on a larger scale of data from both partners in couples dealing with endometriosis. As it provides quantitative information only, some qualitative information remains unexplored. Conclusion: As both partners showed tendencies to overestimate their partners' sexual satisfaction and had different perspectives on sensitive topics in sexuality, such as the female partner engaging in sexual activity despite discomfort, addressing sexual communication could be a starting point in counseling couples dealing with endometriosis.

[Psychosomatic health inventory: Basic psychosomatic documentation for quality assurance inpatient care]. / Gesundheitsinventar Psychosomatik: Psychosomatische Basisdokumentation zur Qualitätssicherung im stationären Alltag.

Objectives: As part of the quality assurance of inpatient treatment, the severity of the disease and the course of therapy must be mapped. However, there is a high degree of heterogeneity in the implementation of basic diagnostics in psychosomatic facilities.There is a lack of scientifically based standardisation in determining the quality of outcomes. Methods: With the help of scientifically established test instruments, a resource-saving basic documentation instrument was developed. Many existing psychometric instruments were checked for test quality, costs and computer-supported application. Results: The Psychosomatic Health Inventory (gi-ps) consists of three basic modules with a total of 63 items: sociodemography, screening and psychosomatic health status.The latter is represented bymeans of construct-based recording on eight scales. Its collection at admission and discharge allows the presentation of the quality of outcomes.The development of a proprietary software solution with LimeSurvey enables the computer-based collection, evaluation, and storage of data. A list of test inventories for confirming diagnoses and predictors has been compiled, which are recommended for use in clinical routine. Discussion: With the gi-ps, a modular basic documentation instrument including the software solution is available to all interested institutions free of charge.

Sexual Satisfaction and Frequency of Orgasm in Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain due to Endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: Dyspareunia, one of the main symptoms of the chronic gynecological pelvic pain disorder endometriosis, may interfere with the likelihood of reaching an orgasm, yet for women with dyspareunia, no data on orgasm rates in different sexual activities are available. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability to reach an orgasm and its association with sexual satisfaction during different sexual activities in women with a chronic pelvic pain disorder and in healthy control women. METHODS: A set of questionnaires including the brief index of sexual functioning and global sexual functioning was used to evaluate sexuality in women affected with endometriosis (n = 434) and a nonaffected control group (n = 434) recruited in German-speaking countries. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome measure of this study was the orgasm rate during different types of sexual activities. RESULTS: Only the ability to have an orgasm during sexual intercourse (P = .002) but not during masturbation (P = .509) or partnered noncoital sexual activities (P = .229) is affected by endometriosis. Dyspareunia was associated with a reduced ability to experience an orgasm during intercourse for endometriosis patients (P = .020) and control women (P = .006). The ability to orgasm during noncoital sexual activities (P = .006) and sexual intercourse (P = .038) was associated with a higher sexual satisfaction in women with endometriosis. For controls, only the ability to achieve an orgasm with sexual intercourse was associated with sexual satisfaction (P = .038). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Sexual counselling as part of medical support could help couples living with chronic pelvic pain of the female partner integrate noncoital sexual activities in their sex lives, leading to fewer sex-related problems and higher sexual desire and satisfaction. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This study is the first to examine different ways of achieving an orgasm and sexual satisfaction in a large group of women with endometriosis and a matched control group. The breadth of the questionnaire allowed a differentiated analysis of factors influencing the likelihood of achieving an orgasm and overall sexual satisfaction. The one limitation is that the length and the intimate nature of the questionnaire possibly resulted in reluctance to answer this part of the questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Partnered noncoital sexual activities may represent an alternative to reach orgasm for women with endometriosis-related chronic pelvic pain or anorgasmia during sexual intercourse. Hämmerli S, Kohl-Schwartz A, Imesch P, et al. Sexual Satisfaction and Frequency of Orgasm in Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain due to Endometriosis. J Sex Med 2020;17:2417-2426.

Qualitative and quantitative aspects of sex life in the context of endometriosis: a multicentre case control study.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the specific characteristics of sexual activity in women with endometriosis compared with women without endometriosis? DESIGN: Multicentre case control study. Participants were recruited from university hospitals, district hospitals and doctor's offices in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. A total of 565 women with endometriosis were pair-matched to 565 control women by age and ethnic background. Diagnosis of endometriosis was confirmed by histology, and disease stage was classified according to American Society for Reproductive Medicine criteria. Data on sexuality were collected using selected questions from the Brief Index of Sexual Function and the Sexual History Form. RESULTS: Altogether, 69.1% of women with endometriosis and 77.8% of control women engaged in sexual activity during the month before the study period (P < 0.001). Overall, 42.3% of endometriosis-affected women and 30.5% of the control women desired a higher frequency of sexual activity (P < 0.001). Petting, foreplay and vaginal sexual intercourse were reported to be practised less often by women with endometriosis. Frequencies for masturbation, reciprocal masturbation, oral and anal sex were similar in both groups. Dyspareunia was negatively associated with sexual activity (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.26 to 4.63), whereas chronic pain showed no association with sexual activity (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.93, 1.96). CONCLUSIONS: Women with endometriosis have lower frequencies of petting, foreplay and vaginal sexual intercourse than control women; this difference has to be attributed, at least in part, to dyspareunia. Potentially pain-free sexual options are used to a limited degree. As endometriosis-affected women desire higher levels of sexual activity, sexual counselling should be included in medical support.

Does endometriosis affect professional life? A matched case-control study in Switzerland, Germany and Austria.

OBJECTIVES: Endometriosis is a gynaecological disease most commonly causing severe and chronic pelvic pain as well as an impaired quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate if and how endometriosis affects choices regarding professional life as well as the quality of daily working life. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: In the context of a multicentre case-control study, we collected data from 505 women with surgically/histologically confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis and 505 matched controls. Study participants were recruited prospectively in hospitals and doctors' practices in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Using a detailed questionnaire, the study investigated work-life and career choices of study participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Associations between endometriosis/disease symptoms and limitations in career development as well as ability to work. RESULTS: Women with endometriosis were less often able to work in their desired profession than women from the control group (adjusted OR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.15 to 2.94, R2=0.029, p=0.001) and they had to take health-related limitations into consideration in their career decisions to a significantly higher degree than women in the control group (OR=4.79, 95% CI: 2.30 to 9.96, R2=0.063, p<0.001). Among women with endometriosis, chronic pain was significantly associated with increased sick leave (OR=3.52, 95% CI: 2.02 to 6.13, R2=0.072, p<0.001) as well as with loss of productivity at work (OR=3.08, 95% CI: 2.11 to 4.50, R2=0.087, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Endometriosis is associated with impairment of professional life, in particular with regard to career choices. Further research to develop strategies to support endometriosis-affected women in realising professional opportunities is recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02511626; Pre-results.

The use of home remedies and complementary health approaches in endometriosis.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Conventional treatments are often associated with adverse effects and endometriosis pain symptoms may reoccur despite treatment. Consequently, many women use complementary health approaches (CHA) and home remedies (HR) to relieve their pain. The aim of this study was to examine the frequency and the subjectively perceived efficacy of CHA/HR use by women affected by endometriosis. DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation using medical charts and a questionnaire. Women recruited in hospitals and in self-help groups were asked about the use of 'topical heat', 'repose/relaxation', 'movement/massages', 'homeopathy/phytotherapy', 'acupuncture/traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)' and 'kinesiology/physiotherapy'. RESULTS: From a total of 574 women with a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis, 359 (62.5%) applied some form of CHA/HR. Women suffering from fatiguing disease symptoms more often selected alternative therapies (odds ratio [OR] 3.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39-7.11, P = 0.006) compared with women without these characteristics. Furthermore, women dissatisfied with healthcare provided by their treating physician, more frequently (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.19-4.45, P = 0.013) chose the aforementioned alternative strategies. CONCLUSION: As conventional therapies may not be sufficiently effective, women's needs should be closely examined, and individual treatment options should be discussed and initiated by clinicians to provide the best comprehensive treatment possible for endometriosis.

Satisfaction with medical support in women with endometriosis.

Endometriosis affects various aspects of women's lives. We searched for predictors for patient satisfaction with medical support (PSwMS) in women with endometriosis. The study was designed as a multi-centre retrospective cohort study. We approached women with histologically confirmed endometriosis from 2010 until 2016, comparing women satisfied to women dissatisfied with medical support. We analysed data on characteristics of endometriosis, PSwMS and the influence of disease characteristics on PSwMS. Information on satisfaction with medical support was collected through a standardized questionnaire. After exclusion of 73 women because of inchoately filled in questionnaires, data from 498 women was evaluated. Altogether, it was observed that 54.6% (n = 272) of the study participants were satisfied with medical support and 45.4% (n = 226) were not. Feeling adequately informed by the time of diagnosis (p < 0.001), taking women's mental troubles seriously (p < 0.001) and supporting women in handling their pain (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with satisfaction. We found adequate information to be the most distinctive indicator for PSwMS. Further, acknowledging psychological distress and supporting women in handling their symptoms rather than to alleviate them, positively affect PSwMS. To achieve PSwMS, healthcare providers have to give adequate information on endometriosis and its management.

Fatigue - a symptom in endometriosis.

STUDY QUESTION: Is fatigue a frequent symptom of endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER: Fatigue is an underestimated symptom of endometriosis as it affects the majority of women with endometriosis, but it is not widely discussed in literature. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Fatigue can be a symptom of endometriosis causing major distress impacting the daily activities and quality of life of women with endometriosis. However, few studies with large sample sizes have investigated fatigue as a symptom of endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: The study was designed as a multi-center matched case-control study. Recruitment took place at hospitals and private practices in Switzerland, Germany and Austria between 2010 and 2016. Data was collected from 1120 women, 560 of them with endometriosis. The women with endometriosis were matched to 560 control women in regard to age ±3 years and ethnic background. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Diagnosis of women with endometriosis had to be surgically and histologically confirmed. Surgical exclusion or absence of any endometriosis-identifying symptoms was required for control subjects. Materials included surgical and histological reports as well as data retrieved from a self-administered questionnaire. This study focused on the symptom fatigue in endometriosis. Relationships of variables were established by regression analysis and associations were quantified as odds ratios. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Frequent fatigue was experienced by a majority of women diagnosed with endometriosis (50.7% versus 22.4% in control women, P < 0.001). Fatigue in endometriosis was associated with insomnia (OR: 7.31, CI: 4.62-11.56, P < 0.001), depression (OR: 4.45, CI: 2.76-7.19, P < 0.001), pain (OR: 2.22, CI: 1.52-3.23, P < 0.001), and occupational stress (OR: 1.45, CI: 1.02-2.07, P = 0.037), but was independent of age, time since first diagnosis and stage of the disease. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Women with asymptomatic endometriosis cannot be excluded in the control group which would lead to underestimation of our results. The study's design allows no evaluation of causal effects. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: As fatigue is experienced by numerous women with endometriosis, it needs to be addressed in the discussion of management and treatment of the disease. In addition to treating endometriosis, it would be beneficial to reduce insomnia, depression, pain and occupational stress in order to better manage fatigue. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): There was no additional funding received for this study and no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02511626.

Does Endometriosis Affect Sexual Activity and Satisfaction of the Man Partner? A Comparison of Partners From Women Diagnosed With Endometriosis and Controls.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis-associated pain and dyspareunia influence female sexuality, but little is known about men's experiences in affected couples. AIM: To investigate how men partners experience sexuality in partnership with women with endometriosis. METHODS: A multi-center case-control study was performed between 2010 and 2015 in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. 236 Partners of endometriosis patients and 236 partners of age-matched control women without endometriosis with a similar ethnic background were asked to answer selected, relevant questions of the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning and the Global Sexual Functioning questionnaire, as well as some investigator-derived questions. OUTCOMES: We sought to evaluate sexual satisfaction of men partners of endometriosis patients, investigate differences in sexual activities between men partners of women with and without endometriosis, and identify options to improve partnership sexuality in couples affected by endometriosis. RESULTS: Many partners of endometriosis patients reported changes in sexuality (75%). A majority of both groups was (very) satisfied with their sexual relationship (73.8% vs 58.1%, P = .002). Nevertheless, more partners of women diagnosed with endometriosis were not satisfied (P = .002) and their sexual problems more strongly interfered with relationship happiness (P = .001) than in partners of control women. Frequencies of sexual intercourse (P < .001) and all other partnered sexual activities (oral sex, petting) were significantly higher in the control group. The wish for an increased frequency of sexual activity (P = .387) and sexual desire (P = .919) did not differ statistically between both groups. CLINICAL TRANSLATION: There is a need to evaluate qualitative factors that influence sexual satisfaction in endometriosis patients. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the first studies to investigate male sexuality affected by endometriosis. The meticulous verification of diagnosis and disease stage according to operation reports and histology allows for a high reliability of diagnosis. Our men's response rate of almost 50% is higher compared to other studies. Recruiting men through their woman partner may have caused selection bias. The adjustment to the specific situation in endometriosis by selecting questions from the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning and Global Sexual Functioning and adding investigator-derived questions likely influenced the validity of the questionnaires. Despite the fact that both partners of endometriosis patients and of control women largely reported high sexual satisfaction, there are challenges for some couples that arise in the context of a sexual relationship when one partner has endometriosis. Challenges such as sexuality-related pain or a reduced frequency of sexual activities should be addressed by health care professionals to ameliorate any current difficulties and to prevent the development or aggravation of sexual dysfunction. Hämmerli S, Kohl Schwartz AS, Geraedts K, et al. Does Endometriosis Affect Sexual Activity and Satisfaction of the Man Partner? A Comparison of Partners From Women Diagnosed With Endometriosis and Controls. J Sex Med 2018;15:853-865.

Endometriosis, especially mild disease: a risk factor for miscarriages.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of miscarriage in women with endometriosis (WwE) compared with disease-free control women (CW). DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis nested in a retrospective observational study (n = 940). SETTING: Hospitals and associated private practices. PATIENT(S): Previously pregnant women (n = 268) within reproductive age in matched pairs. INTERVENTION(S): Retrospective analysis of surgical reports and self-administered questionnaires. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Rate of miscarriage, subanalysis for fertility status (≤12 vs. >12 months' time to conception), endometriosis stages (revised American Society of Reproductive Medicine classification [rASRM] I/II vs. III/IV) and phenotypic localizations (superficial peritoneal, ovarian, and deep infiltrating endometriosis). RESULT(S): The miscarriage rate was higher in WwE (35.8% [95% confidence interval 29.6%-42.0%]) compared with CW (22.0% [16.7%-27.0%]); adjusted incidence risk ratio of 1.97 (95% CI 1.41-2.75). This remained significant in subfertile WwE (50.0% [40.7%-59.4%]) vs. CW (25.8% [8.5%-41.2%]) but not in fertile WwE (24.5% [16.3%-31.6%]) vs. CW (21.5% [15.9%-26.8%]). The miscarriage rate was higher in women with milder forms (rASRM I/II 42.1% [32.6%-51.4%] vs. rASRM III/IV 30.8% [22.6%-38.7%], compared with 22.0% [16.7%-27.0%] in CW), and in women with superficial peritoneal endometriosis (42.0% [32.0%-53.9%]) compared with ovarian endometriosis (28.6% [17.7%-38.7%]) and deep infiltrating endometriosis (33.9% [21.2%-46.0%]) compared with CW (22.0% [16.7%-27.0%]). CONCLUSION(S): Mild endometriosis, as in superficial lesions, is related to a great extent of inflammatory disorder, possibly leading to defective folliculogenesis, fertilization, and/or implantation, presenting as increased risk of miscarriage. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02511626.

[Pregnancy experiences of women with pregnancy-induced hypertension]. / Schwangerschaftserleben von Frauen mit schwangerschaftsinduzierter Hypertonie- eine qualitative Untersuchung.

OBJECTIVES: The study assesses the experience of pregnancy of women who have pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) compared to women with an uncomplicated course of pregnancy. METHODS: 21 women were retrospectively investigated between 5 and 13 months after giving birth via a semistandardised interview focussing on the personal experience of pregnancy. The interviews were analysed by means of qualitative content analysis. The categories "development and course," "coping with anxiety," "image of one's mother" and "relationship with partner" were determined and described. Finally, we developed data-driven, ideal-type models of pregnancies with pregnancy-induced hypertension versus normal pregnancies by detecting the similarities and contrasts between the groups. RESULTS: Interviewees with pregnancy-induced hypertension showed an ambivalence with regard to their pregnancy, which was more often than not unplanned and/or unwanted. Conflicts with significant others, especially with their partners, were also reported more often. Emotions tended to be understated. DISCUSSION: The results can be employed in the operationalisation of future projects in a hitherto unclear research field. They should also be considered in the care of patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Biopsychosocial predictors of preterm delivery.

AIM: The aim of this study is to integrate a psychosomatic approach in the investigation of causes for preterm deliveries. METHODS: A prospective study including 589 pregnant women between the 13(th) and the 24(th) gestation week (GW) was performed. In addition to medical and sociodemographic risk factors for preterm birth, factors such as biographical information, coping strategies and personality factors, pregnancy-related attitudes and anxieties as well as the pregnant women's social environment were examined. A factor analysis was performed using a principal component method with subsequent varimax rotation. RESULTS: Psychosocial variables were found to have a significant influence on the course of pregnancy and delivery. A total of 29 pregnant women (5.8%) delivered prematurely before they completed the 37(th) GW. Lack of support, poor emotional understanding by the partner, and additional stress subsequent to gynecological disorders were significantly associated with prematurity delivery. Pregnancy-related fears and general anxiety were additional significant predictors for preterm delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Partner relationships, women's support groups, psychosomatic reactions due to problems with reproductive functions, and anxiety deserve special attention for the prevention of preterm birth.

Depression, mood, stress, and Th1/Th2 immune balance in primary breast cancer patients undergoing classical massage therapy.

PURPOSE: Cancer patients frequently suffer from psychological comorbidities such as depression and elevated stress. Previous studies could demonstrate that cancer patients benefit from massage therapy on the physical and psychological level. This pilot study investigates the effects of massage on depression, mood, perceived stress, and the Th1/Th2 ratio in breast cancer patients. METHODS: Thirty-four breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to a massage group (n=17) and a control group (n=17). Patients of the massage group received two 30-min classical massages per week for 5 weeks. At baseline, at the end of the intervention period, and 6 weeks after the end of intervention, patients of both groups completed the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), and the Berlin Mood Questionnaire (BFS) and blood was withdrawn for determining cytokine concentrations and the Th1/Th2 ratio. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were included in the statistical analysis. Depression (PHQ) and anxious depression (BSF) were significantly reduced immediately after massage compared to the control group. Stress (PSQ) and elevated mood (BSF) did not show significant alterations after massage therapy. Changes of cytokine concentrations and Th1/Th2 ratio were insignificant as well, although there was a slight shift towards Th1 in the massage group over time. CONCLUSIONS: Massage therapy is an efficient treatment for reducing depression in breast cancer patients. Insignificant results concerning immunological parameters, stress, and mood indicate that further research is needed to determine psychological and immunological changes under massage therapy.

The efficacy of classical massage on stress perception and cortisol following primary treatment of breast cancer.

To investigate the efficacy of classical massage on stress perception and mood disturbances, 34 women diagnosed with primary breast cancer were randomized into an intervention or control group. For a period of 5 weeks, the intervention group (n = 17) received biweekly 30-min classical massages. The control group (n = 17) received no additional treatment to their routine health care. The Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and the Berlin Mood Questionnaire (BSF) were used and the patients' blood was collected at baseline (T1), at the end of the intervention period (T2), and 6 weeks after T2 (T3). Compared with control group, women in the intervention group reported significantly lower mood disturbances, especially for anger (p = 0.048), anxious depression (p = 0.03) at T2, and tiredness at T3 (p = 0.01). No group differences were found in PSQ scales, cortisol and serotonin concentrations at T2 and T3. However, perceived stress and cortisol serum levels (p = 0.03) were significantly reduced after massage therapy (T2) compared with baseline in the intervention group. Further research is needed to validate our findings.

[Women with a history of pregnancy loss or abortion in a behavioural medicine hospital--an exploratory field study]. / Frauen mit belasteter geburtshilflicher Anamnese in der stationären psychosomatischen Versorgung--eine hypothesengenerierende Feldexploration.

OBJECTIVE: Gaining insights into the frequencies of negative obstetric histories in inpatients of a behavioural medicine hospital and the extent of their current psychological burdens. METHOD: We acquired sociodemographic, obstetric and psychological (psychopathology, coping patterns, and attribution styles) data of 117 inpatients by means of standardized questionnaires and interviews. RESULTS: Eighteen percent of the women exhibited a negative obstetric history (spontaneous, medically indicated or voluntary abortion) that dated back an average of 16 years. These women suffered more often from somatoform disorders and showed higher depression scores as well as other distinctive problems regarding their psychological wellbeing and their attributional and coping styles. Women who had undergone voluntary abortions showed a particular pattern of psychological distress. Those women who still felt psychological burden of pregnancy loss or abortion were younger and had fewer children. CONCLUSIONS: Almost one fifth of this inpatient sample in a behavioural medicine hospital exhibited a negative obstetric history and one third of these women still were affected psychologically. Clinicians therefore need to include obstetric data when taking a woman's psychiatric history, in particular with regard to depression, in order to be able to include this issue in their treatment plan, even if the pregnancy loss or abortion dates back many years.

Massage therapy reduces physical discomfort and improves mood disturbances in women with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of classical massage treatment in reducing breast cancer-related symptoms and in improving mood disturbances. METHODS. Women diagnosed with primary breast cancer were randomized into an intervention group and a control group. For a period of 5 weeks, the intervention group received bi-weekly 30-min classical massages in the back and head-neck areas. The control group received no additional treatment to their routine healthcare. To evaluate treatment efficacy, the following validated questionnaires were administrated at baseline (T1), at the end of the intervention (T2), and at a followup at 11 weeks (T3): the Short Form-8 Health Survey, the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire breast module (EORTC QLQ-BR23), the Giessen Complaints Inventory (GBB), and the Berlin Mood Questionnaire (BSF). RESULTS. Eighty-six eligible women (mean age: 59 years) were enrolled in the study. A significantly higher reduction of physical discomfort was found in the intervention group compared with the control group at T2 (p=0.001) and at T3 (p=0.038). A decrease in fatigue was also observed. Women in the intervention group reported significantly lower mood disturbances at T2 (p<0.01) but not at T3. The effect of treatment on mood disturbances was significantly higher if a patient was treated continuously by the same masseur. CONCLUSION. Classical massage seems to be an effective adjuvant treatment for reducing physical discomfort and fatigue, and improving mood disturbances in women with early stage breast cancer.

Levels and effects of different forms of anxiety during pregnancy after a prior miscarriage.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the current level of pregnancy-related fear and state anxiety in pregnant women who experienced prior miscarriages and to explore the impact of higher levels of anxiety during the first trimester on the following course and outcome of the pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred forty-three pregnant women who had experienced prior miscarriage (sporadic or recurrent) were measured during each trimester and postpartum. Three independent control groups consisting of pregnant women without a history of miscarriage were recruited. For assessment, a battery of questionnaires including the STAI-state scale and various instruments were administered to record pregnancy-related fear, complications during pregnancy, the course of delivery and the health status of the neonate. Correlations, univariate logistic regression modelling, and ANOVA statistics including post hoc tests were conducted. RESULTS: Compared to women without miscarriages, women with prior miscarriage had higher levels of pregnancy-related fear and state anxiety during the first trimester. The level of anxiety differed between pregnant women with a single as compared to those with recurrent miscarriage. Early pregnancy-related fear significantly correlated with complications during pregnancy and delivery. This effect was not found for state anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that miscarriages may lead to higher levels of pregnancy-related fear and state anxiety. In particular, pregnancy-related fear may have a negative impact on the course of pregnancy and delivery. Thus, interventions to reduce pregnancy-related fear are highly recommended.

[Mourning, coping and subjective attribution after early miscarriage]. / Trauer, Bewältigung und subjektive Ursachenzuschreibungen nach Frühaborten: Adaptivität von Verarbeitungsmustern untersucht in einer Längsschnittstudie.

A few weeks after miscarriage 232 women were questioned with standardized questionnaires and symptom scales about the way in which they coped with an early miscarriage (up to the 16th week of gestation) about mourning processes and subjective attribution as well as anamnestic and psychosocial characteristics. Seven and fourteen months after pregnancy loss and if necessary in the first trimester of a following pregnancy the psychological symptoms of the women (fear and depressive symptoms) were evaluated. A few weeks after miscarriage we found with main component analysis three patterns of coping. The pattern of "depressive coping" could be diagnosed as a predictor of increased depression seven months after the miscarriage and in a new pregnancy. Depressive pathology in a new pregnancy of the women with early pregnancy loss can be predicted also over the pattern of "anxious grieving". On the other hand, the pattern of "active coping" is associated with lower state anxiety in a new pregnancy. Lack of perceived partner support and past divorces or separations are risk factors for increased fears in a new pregnancy. These results suggest that women who have had an early miscarriage especially if they have maladaptive coping patterns and psychosocial risk factor for maladjustment need prevention of psychological disturbances with an integrated psychosomatic concept.

Documentation and Communication of Psychooncological Findings in an Interdisciplinary Breast Cancer Center.

BACKGROUND: Psychooncological interventions are an integral component of the treatment of breast cancer patients in certified breast cancer centers. Effective multidisciplinary care requires excellent communication among the team members, including written communication. The study explores how written communication can be implemented in a multidisciplinary team treating cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A computerized form to enter psychooncological findings into a software designed for the documentation of the diagnostics and therapy of patients with breast cancer was developed. RESULTS: The psychooncological module includes the sections phase of therapy, mood disturbances, difficulties in handling the disease/treatment, psychosocial burdens, psychosocial resources and treatment recommendations as well as notes about a psychological diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10) where appropriate. 555 psychooncological findings were documented in the newly designed module. 28% of the patients were diagnosed with a mental disorder. 45% received at least one intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The psychooncological module facilitates the combination of oncological and psychooncological documentation. It can give structured psychooncological information to the physicians. However, the development of the module has to be continued.

HINTERGRUND: Psychoonkologische Versorgung ist ein integraler Bestandteil der Behandlung in einem zertifizierten Brustzentrum. Erfolgreiche multidisziplinäre Versorgung erfordert ausgezeichnete Kommunikation zwischen den Teammitgliedern, insbesondere auch schriftliche Kommunikation. Die Studie stellt dar, wie ein schriftlicher Austausch in einem multidisziplinären Team umgesetzt werden kann. PATIENTEN UND METHODEN: Für das im Brustzentrum der Charité eingesetzte Dokumentationssystem wurde ein Formular zur Eingabe psychoonkologischer Befunde entwickelt. ERGEBNISSE: Das Psychoonkologie-Modul ist gegliedert in die Kategorien Therapiephase, Stimmung, Krankheitsbewältigung, psychosoziale Belastungen, psychosoziale Ressourcen und Weiterbehandlungsempfehlungen sowie gegebenenfalls Anmerkungen zu psychischen Diagnosen (Internationale Klassifikation der Krankheiten 10 (ICD-10)). 555 psychoonkologische Befunde wurden in dem neu entwickelten Modul dokumentiert. Bei 28% der Patienten wurde eine psychische Erkrankung diagnostiziert. 45% der Patienten erhielten mindestens eine Intervention. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Das vorgestellte computergestützte Psychoonkologie-Modul ermöglicht eine Verbindung zwischen onkologischer und psychoonkologischer Dokumentation. Es kann strukturierte Informationen an die behandelnden Ärzte vermitteln, muss jedoch in einigen Punkten überarbeitet werden.

Pregnancy after early pregnancy loss: a prospective study of anxiety, depressive symptomatology and coping.

Miscarriages can have lasting psychological effects on those concerned. In a prospective longitudinal study, 342 women were questioned about the way in which they coped after an early miscarriage (up to the 16th week of gestation), a few weeks after the pregnancy loss. There are data available from the first trimester of a subsequent pregnancy for 108 of these women. Standardized symptom scales were used to explore the pregnancy-specific anxiety, state and trait anxiety (STAI) and depressive symptoms in pregnant women and these were compared with the symptoms of 69 pregnant women with no history of miscarriages. Women with a history of miscarriages suffer more from pregnancy-specific anxieties in the first trimester of a new pregnancy than pregnant women with no history of miscarriages. Patterns of "depressive coping" and "anxious grieving" after the losses are predictive of more marked anxiety and depression symptoms in the first trimester of a subsequent pregnancy. These results suggest that women who have had an early miscarriage are particularly at risk of disturbances in their psychological adaptation in a new pregnancy. It is possible to determine risk factors which can be used to recognize those women who are particularly at risk directly after the miscarriage.