Telephone-guided Self-Help Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for menopausal symptoms

Abstract

ObjectivesGroup and Self-Help forms of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are effective treatment options for women with problematic menopausal hot flushes and night sweats (HF/NS). However, some women are unable to attend face-to-face sessions. This study investigates whether Self-Help CBT for HF/NS is as effective when rolled out to women living at a distance with minimal telephone guidance. Study designForty-seven women completed a Self-Help CBT intervention (booklet and relaxation/paced breathing CD) during a 4-week period. They also received one ‘guiding’ telephone call from a clinical psychologist two weeks into treatment to provide support and discuss individual treatment goals. Questionnaires were collected at baseline, 6 weeks (post-treatment) and 3 months (follow-up) after the end of the intervention. Main outcome measuresHF/NS problem rating. Secondary outcome measures: HF/NS frequency, HF/NS beliefs and behaviours, sleep, anxiety and depressed mood. ResultsThere was a significant reduction in HF/NS problem-rating following the intervention which was maintained at follow-up. Moreover, women reported less frequent HF/NS along with further improvements in sleep quality, mood and HF/NS beliefs and behaviours. ConclusionsTelephone-guided Self-Help interventions might provide an effective way of widening access to CBT treatment for HF/NS.