title: Cognitive behaviour therapy for menopausal hot flushes and night sweats: a qualitative analysis of women's experiences of group and self-help CBT.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is a growing need for non-medical treatments for women experiencing problematic menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats (HF/NS). A recent randomized control trial (RCT) (MENOS2) provides evidence of the effectiveness of Group CBT and Self-Help CBT for HF/NS.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study examines MENOS 2 participants' experience of the CBT treatments.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty women who had experienced CBT for HF/NS (10 Group CBT and 10 Self-Help CBT) were interviewed at the end of the trial to explore how they experienced the treatment and its effects. The interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Women experienced both treatment formats as positive and helpful, increasing their ability to cope and their sense of control over HF/NS. Four super-ordinate themes were identified: making sense of symptom change, new ways of coping and regaining control, acknowledging and challenging the menopause taboo, and social interaction and support versus individual learning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These qualitative results are consistent with those of the main trial in that women found both CBT formats helpful in reducing the impact of HF/NS. However, the results also suggest possible mechanisms of change and provide useful information on women's responses to the different treatment components and formats.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, UK.
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Balabanovic
authors.forename: Beverley
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ayers
authors.forename: Myra S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Hunter
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008593:Menopause / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D013546:Sweating