Sexual Medicine (Sep 2020)

Exploring Pain-Related Anxiety and Depression in Female Patients With Provoked Vulvodynia With Associated Overactive Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction

  • Vaishnavi Govind, MS,
  • Jill M. Krapf, MD, MEd,
  • Leia Mitchell, MS,
  • Karissa Barela, MS,
  • Hillary Tolson, BS,
  • Jaqueline Casey, CNA,
  • Andrew T. Goldstein, MD

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 3
pp. 517 – 524

Abstract

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Introduction: Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition with potential associated factors, including musculoskeletal and psychosocial components. Aim: This study explores the prevalence of pain-related anxiety and depression in women with provoked vestibulodynia with associated overactive pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (PVD-PFD). Methods: A retrospective chart review of 352 women presenting to 2 urban vulvovaginal specialty clinics over the course of a year was conducted. Women presenting for initial evaluation completed validated questionnaires for pain-related anxiety and depression. Women who completed these questionnaires with a diagnosis of PVD-PFD independently confirmed by a women's health physical therapist were included in analysis. Information on previously attempted treatments was gathered. Main Outcome Measures: Pain-related anxiety was measured with the Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale-20 and depression with the Patient Health Questionnaire 8. Results: Of 79 women with confirmed PVD-PFD, 22% met criteria for pain-related anxiety alone, 4% for depression alone, and 27% for both pain-related anxiety and depression, with a significant association between anxiety and depression (χ2 (1) = 21.44, P < .0005, phi = 0.521). There was also a significant association between anxiety and/or depression and whether prior treatment was attempted (χ2 (2) = 6.81, P = .03, phi = 0.294). Conclusion: The study found that 49% of women with PVD-PFD experienced pain-related anxiety, with or without depression. In addition, there was a statistically significant association between attempts at prior treatment and greater pain-related anxiety and depression. This is the first study to report a rate of pain-related anxiety specifically in women with PVD-PFD. These findings are consistent with studies showing elevated pain-related anxiety in other chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including lower back pain and fibromyalgia.Govind V, Krapf JM, Mitchell L, et al. Exploring Pain-Related Anxiety and Depression in Female Patients With Provoked Vulvodynia With Associated Overactive Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2020;8:517–524.

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