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

• Published in: Sexual medicine 2020-09, Vol.8 (3), p.517-524
• Main Authors: Govind, Vaishnavi, Krapf, Jill M., Mitchell, Leia, Barela, Karissa, Tolson, Hillary, Casey, Jaqueline, Goldstein, Andrew T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Depression; Pain-Related Anxiety; Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction; Vulvodynia; Women's Sexual Health
• ISSN: 2050-1161; 2050-1161
• DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2020.05.009

Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition with potential associated factors, including musculoskeletal and psychosocial components. 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). 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. Pain-related anxiety was measured with the Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale-20 and depression with the Patient Health Questionnaire 8. 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