Content provided in partnership with

Health Care Industry

Depression and women

National Women's Health Report, August, 2003

<< Page 1 Continued from page 7. Previous | Next

* Perimenopause, menopause and beyond. The perimenopausal stage, those months or even years just before menopause, are another high-risk time for depression in women, both for those with a history of depression and those without. (13)

The increased risk is likely related to dropping estrogen levels, says Dr. Steiner, because estrogen has direct effects on the central nervous system.

Being a woman 65 and older does not, in and of itself, put a woman at greater risk for depression. In fact, epidemiological surveys suggest that older adults have lower rates of depressive disorders than do other age groups. However, an estimated 10 to 20 percent of older women experience clinically significant depressive symptoms, with rates particularly common among women who are hospitalized or who are being treated on an outpatient basis for some physical illness. It may also result from side effects of medication, pain or physical or mental limitations. (7)

Most Popular Articles in Health: Fuel your workout: exercisers who eat before they work out have more energy ...; Soothe a dry, itchy scalp: 5 easy expert solutions; Cocktails and calories: Beer, wine and liquor calories can really add up. ...; The sour truth about apple cider vinegar - evaluation of therapeutic use; The, six best supplements you've never heard of: these secret weapons can ...; More »

It's important to note, however, that depression is not a normal part of aging, and that the same treatments that work so well for younger women work just as well for older women. (7)

Treating Depression.

Q Lately, I've been very irritable and I don't enjoy the activities I used to. I think I might be depressed, but I'm embarrassed about getting help.

A Depression is a medical condition just like hypertension, diabetes and other conditions. You must address depression in the same manner that you would these conditions and be open with your physician. Depression is not your fault and you are not weak.

You should also know that there is hope, and that you can begin the journey to wellness, but first you have to step beyond the stigma associated with mental illness. Talk to your family physician about next steps. He or she will determine if you have major depression and whether he or she will treat it or refer you to someone else who will.

Q My doctor just put me on an antidepressant but I'm worried that it might make me gain weight.

A Weight gain is a cause for concern for many women due to the history of the older antidepressants. So it's important that you have an open discussion regarding your worries with your physician. There are a host of newer antidepressants that do not cause much, if any, significant weight gain when taken. Also keep in mind that the weight gain ascribed to medication may actually be caused by inactivity, a byproduct of depression itself.

--Sharon Allison-Ottey, MD

COSHAR Foundation Inc.

Baltimore, MD

Q I was recently diagnosed with depression. How do I know which type of therapy to try?

A Interpersonal therapy, or IPT, is a relatively new, well-researched therapy designed to target depression. One major focus of IPT is defining depression as a mental illness, a treatable condition that is not the patient's fault. It focuses on events that occurred after early childhood, and uses the connection between current life events and the beginning of depression to help you understand and overcome war depression.

Health Care Industry

Depression and women

National Women's Health Report, August, 2003

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Health

Most Popular Articles in Health

Most Popular Publications in Health