Psychology-based approaches to the menopause

Abstract

This series of linked presentations will outline key psychological processes that inform our understanding of how women make decisions about treatment for their menopausal symptoms and identify areas where clinicians can intervene to enhance menopause management, treatment decision-making and improve the quality-of-life of their patients. The first presentation focuses on those psychological processes influencing treatment decision-making around the menopause, especially how individuals process risk information, the effect of anxiety on information processing and examining how women prioritize symptoms and treatment choices. Understanding women’s ideas, concerns and expectations about the menopause is key to working in partnership with patients to arrive at an agreed management approach and improve treatment adherence. Promoting lifestyle change in women with menopausal symptoms