A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavior hypnotherapy on pain, emotion regulation and quality of life among the patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Introduction: Psychological treatments, which consider the role of an individual's internal resources in managing mental disorders, serve as effective interventions, particularly for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Aim: The present study aims to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioral hypnotherapy on pain, emotion regulation, and quality of life in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Method: The research was a quasi-experimental study with a pre and post test and control group. The study population comprised all women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder in Sari. A total of 36 participants were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to three groups namely experimental group 1, experimental group 2, and a control group. The experimental groups underwent eight therapy sessions. The assessment instruments included Garnefski’s Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire, Mohammadian's Pain Scale, and the Premenstrual Symptom Screening Tool. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and the Bonferroni post-hoc test. Results: The results indicated no significant difference in pain, emotion regulation, and quality of life between acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioral hypnotherapy. However, both treatments were effective in improving quality of life, emotion regulation, and pain in women, highlighting the psychological nature of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Conclusion: Commitment and acceptance therapy and cognitive behavioral hypnotherapy are effective on pain, emotion regulation and quality of life among the patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It is recommended that these therapies be utilized to enhance pain management, emotion regulation, and quality of life in women with this condition.