Effectiveness of group and self-help cognitive behavior therapy in reducing problematic menopausal hot flushes and night sweats (MENOS 2)

Abstract

These results suggest that CBT delivered in group or self-help format is an effective treatment option for women during the menopause transition and postmenopause with problematic HF/NS.

Study protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial of self-help cognitive behaviour therapy for working women with menopausal symptoms (MENOS@Work)

“…We will draw upon previous interviews with working menopausal women [9,30] and modify the existing CBT intervention [19,28] to include specific issues and examples relating to working life. A minimum of ten, working women will be invited to take part in interviews if they have menopausal symptoms, including HFNS.…”

“…With reference to results from a previous study [19], a total sample size of 80 participants, 40 per arm, are required to detect 2 points difference in HFNS mean score at 6 weeks using regression analysis controlling for baseline level of the outcome, with a 90% power at 2 tailed significance 0.05 level, assuming equal SD (3.0) for both groups and correlation between baseline and follow up RUNNING HEAD: MENOS@WORK 8 measures at 0.4 for the purpose of being conservative. After taking into account 20% loss to follow up rate, a sample size of 100 is required.…”

“…Group and self-help CBT for HFNS have been shown to be effective in reducing the impact of HFNS compared to a control group [19]; the self-help booklet (containing the same information with a breathing/relaxation CD) was as effective as the group CBT. Self-help CBT has also been found to produce similar levels of improvement when delivered with miminal guidance [21].…”

“…Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for anxiety and depression [18], and a CBT intervention has been developed to help women to manage for HFNS [19][20][21][22]. CBT examines the relationships and interactions between physical symptoms, thoughts, feelings and behaviours.…”

“…how problematic they are, in several clinical trials [19][20][21][22]. Recent UK guidance [18] recommends that doctors offer women information about CBT for menopausal symptoms, and, in a recent Position Statement on non-hormonal interventions for vasomotor symptoms, CBT is strongly RUNNING HEAD: MENOS@WORK 5 recommended by the North American Menopause Society [23].…”