[Perimenopausal and late life depression].

Area of Science:

• Reproductive psychiatry
• Geriatric psychiatry
• Public health

Context:

• Perimenopause involves hormonal shifts increasing mood disorder risk in women.
• Late-life depression is prevalent with poor community outcomes.
• Rapidly aging societies, like Japan, face significant public health challenges.

Purpose:

• To review current evidence on perimenopausal and late-life depression.
• To evaluate the efficacy and risks of hormone replacement therapy for perimenopausal depression.
• To highlight the need for integrated mental and physical health assessments in the elderly.

Summary:

• Hormone replacement therapy shows antidepressant efficacy in perimenopausal women, though side effects necessitate careful consideration.
• Major and minor depressions are frequent in the elderly, with concerning community-based natural histories.
• Effective depression prevention in aging populations requires assessing comorbidities like dementia and suicide risk.

Impact:

• Informs clinical practice regarding hormone therapy use in perimenopausal depression.
• Underscores the public health importance of addressing geriatric depression.
• Advocates for a holistic approach to mental health in aging populations, integrating neurological and suicide prevention strategies.