Depression in midlife women

Sassarini, J. (2016) Depression in midlife women. Maturitas, 94, pp. 149-154. (doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.09.004) (PMID:27823736)

Abstract

Depression is one of the leading causes of disease-related disability in women, and they are nearly twice as likely as men to suffer from an episode of depression. The difference begins in early life and persists through to mid-life, and as such, these reproductive years have been labelled by some as a ‘window of vulnerability’. The prevalence has been reported to be particularly high during the menopausal transition, but there is no consensus supporting a direct association with reproductive status. This may be partly due to methodological limitations and inconsistencies in the available studies, resulting from a large number of confounding factors. In addition, relationships between sex hormones and the neurotransmitters purported to be responsible for depression are complex. What appears to be universally accepted is that treatment, with oestrogen, for low mood in women during midlife years may be beneficial, and should be considered.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sassarini, Dr Jenifer
• Authors: Sassarini, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Maturitas
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0378-5122
• ISSN (Online): 1873-4111
• Published Online: 16 September 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
• First Published: First published in Maturitas 94:149-154
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher