Women diagnosed with endometriosis before the age of 25 were more than twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety disorders compared to those without the condition, according to new findings. Chronic pain associated with endometriosis was identified as a factor in the development of psychiatric disorders.

The longitudinal cohort study in Finland included 4,532 women with surgically confirmed endometriosis from 1987 to 2012, matched with 9,014 controls by age and municipality. Follow-up extended until the end of 2019, tracking 9 psychiatric disorders and deaths due to external causes such as accidents, suicides, and violence, according to findings published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

The risks persisted throughout the follow-up period, with depressive and anxiety disorders being the most prevalent. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for depressive disorders were 2.57 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11-3.14) and 1.87 (95% CI, 1.65-2.12) for inpatient and combined inpatient and outpatient episodes, respectively. 

For anxiety disorders, the HRs were 2.40 (95% CI, 1.81-3.17) and 2.09 (95% CI, 1.84-2.37). Bipolar disorders also showed an increased risk, with HRs of 1.71 (95% CI, 1.30-2.26) and 1.66 (95% CI, 1.28-2.15).

There were 37 deaths due to suicide. 

Type of endometriosis also influenced psychiatric outcomes; women with non-ovarian endometriosis exhibited higher rates of depressive and anxiety disorders compared with those with ovarian endometriosis.

The authors reported no conflict of interest.