A Behavioral Intervention for Pain Catastrophizing in Primary Dysmenorrhea

A Behavioral Intervention for Pain Catastrophizing in Primary Dysmenorrhea

The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility and efficacy of a brief group therapy treatment program focused on reducing pain catastrophizing in adolescents and young adults (ages 16-25) with menstrual pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female ages 16-25 years
• Self-reported menstrual cycle averaging 24-32 days
• Menstrual pain rating of ≥4 on the Numeric Rating Scale for at least the previous three menstrual cycles prior to participation
• Written informed consent or assent (if a minor, parent must also provide written parental permission)
• Able to read and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of oral contraceptives or any exogenous hormones in the previous 3 months
• Presence of persistent pelvic pain throughout the menstrual cycle
• Acute illness or injury that may impact lab performance or that affects sensitivity of the extremities
• Diagnosis of an underlying medical cause for dysmenorrhea symptoms
• No or minimal menstrual pain (NRS rating of ≤ 3) during any of the 3 previous cycles prior to study participation
• Daily use of opioids; participants using other analgesics will be included, but will be asked not to take these analgesics on the days of the lab sessions
• Developmental delay, autism, or significant anatomic impairment that may preclude understanding of study procedures