Endometriosis brain: a conceptual definition based on a synthesis of the literature

Endometriosis brain has emerged in the literature to describe the constellation of neurobiological and psychological alterations experienced by individuals with endometriosis, yet the concept remains poorly defined and inconsistently applied. The purpose of this concept analysis was to clarify and define endometriosis brain through a synthesis of the current literature. A concept analysis is a systematic approach for examining how a concept is used across contexts, identifying patterns in how it changes over time and across situations by analyzing the conditions necessary for a concept to exist, as well as its defining characteristics and consequences. This method is referred to as Rodgers’s [1] evolutionary method of concept analysis. We systematically searched for articles published since 2020 in CINAHL, PubMed, and PsychINFO that explored patients with endometriosis and related mental health comorbidities. Analysis identified key attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of endometriosis brain found in the literature, culminating in a conceptual definition. Finding suggest that endometriosis brain reflects a multidimensional phenomenon with implication that extend beyond single disciple care models. Conceptual clarity may support more consistent use in research and inform integrative approaches to clinical assessment, diagnosis, and care. Addressing the complex interplay between physical symptoms and mental health comorbidities has the potential to yield more effective, holistic treatment options, improving quality of life, health, and optimizing health care utilization.