When the Body Hurts, the Mind Suffers: Endometriosis and Mental Health

Giuseppe Marano, Claudia d'Abate, Ilaria Ianes, Eugenia Costantini, Francesco Maria Lisci, Gianandrea Traversi, Eleonora Gaetani, Daniele Napolitano, M. Mazza
In: Psychiatry International · 2026 · vol. 7(1) , pp. 9 · doi:10.3390/psychiatryint7010009 · W7118161899
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-06 ⓘ

This review explores the bidirectional relationship between endometriosis-related chronic pain and mental health disorders, highlighting the substantial psychological distress caused by pain and diagnostic delays.

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Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory condition associated with severe pelvic pain and infertility. Beyond its somatic manifestations, it is increasingly recognized as a disorder with significant psychological sequelae. This review examines the bidirectional relationship between endometriosis-related chronic pain and mental health disorders, with the aim of highlighting the importance of integrated, multidisciplinary management strategies. Relevant literature was synthesized to explore the pathophysiology of endometriosis, mechanisms of pain chronification, and the prevalence and impact of psychiatric comorbidities, including depression, anxiety, body image disturbance, and sexual dysfunction. Chronic pain and diagnostic delays contribute substantially to psychological distress in patients with endometriosis. High rates of affective disorders have been consistently reported, with significant repercussions on social functioning, intimate relationships, and overall quality of life. Although treatment traditionally focuses on symptom control, evidence supports the efficacy of approaches that concurrently address mental health needs. Endometriosis represents a paradigmatic example of the interplay between chronic somatic illness and mental health. Future research should prioritize the integration of psychological assessment and intervention within endometriosis care pathways, alongside the development of targeted, biopsychosocial treatment models.

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Condition tags

endometriosisinfertility

Citation neighborhood

Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. [ expand to 2 hops ] — adds papers reached through this work's immediate citers/citees. Heavier; up to 60 extra dots.

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