The effect of emotional freedom technique on depressive and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women: randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the Emotional Freedom Technique on depressive and menopausal symptoms among postmenopausal women. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 70 postmenopausal women (Emotional Freedom Technique group: 34; control group: 36). Participants in the intervention group received Emotional Freedom Technique at least once daily for 8 weeks. The control group received only routine care. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Menopause Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory. All assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. Analyses were conducted using G*Power and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 25. RESULTS: Emotional Freedom Technique significantly reduced the Beck Depression Inventory scores (p<0.001), as well as Menopause Rating Scale total (p<0.001) and subdimension scores: somatic (p<0.001) and psychological (p<0.001), and urogenital (p=0.005). Following the intervention, Beck Depression Inventory score decreased by 62.8%, Menopause Rating Scale total score by 46.3%, somatic subscale score by 52.1%, psychological subscale score by 45.0%, and urogenital subscale score by 20.4%. CONCLUSION: Emotional Freedom Technique shows promise as a potential adjunctive intervention, but further blinded, controlled trials are needed. The Emotional Freedom Technique was effective in reducing depression and menopausal symptoms among postmenopausal women after 8 weeks of daily practice. It is suggested that its use alongside standard care may help alleviate depressive and menopausal symptoms.