DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000001037 ISSN: 0009-9201
Mind Matters: Integrating Psychological Insights Into Chronic Pelvic Pain Care
Alexandra T. Milspaw, Emily J. BartleyChronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a debilitating and costly condition that imposes substantial physical, psychological, and economic burden. It is associated with a high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity, and the persistent nature of pain significantly disrupts psychological well-being and social functioning, with profound effects on quality of life. This brief review synthesizes current evidence on the mechanistic pathways implicated in CPP, as well as associated psychological factors, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, the efficacy of established psychological interventions for CPP is reviewed including emerging treatments that have not yet been systematically assessed in individuals with CPP.