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Published on: May 19, 2015
A cross-sectional evaluation of perimenopausal depression
Emma M Steinberg1, David R Rubinow, John J Bartko
1Behavioral Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1276, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|May 29, 2008
Summary
Perimenopausal depression characteristics are not significantly altered by hot flushes or prior depression history. Depressive episodes often occur late in menopause transition, suggesting hormonal shifts may trigger onset.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive psychiatry
- Mood disorders in women
- Menopause research
Background:
- The clinical presentation of depression during perimenopause is not well understood.
- Perimenopausal depression affects women aged 40-55 during the menopausal transition.
- Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause may influence mood disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize clinical features of perimenopausal depression.
- To investigate the impact of prior depression episodes on perimenopausal depression.
- To assess the influence of hot flushes on perimenopausal depression.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 116 women aged 40-55 with perimenopausal depression.
- Utilized Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV and Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders.
- Examined historical variables, reproductive status, symptom ratings, and hormone levels.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in clinical characteristics based on first-onset versus recurrent depression.
- No significant differences in clinical characteristics with or without hot flushes.
- Depressive episodes clustered in late perimenopause and early postmenopause; 55% had premenstrual dysphoria history.
Conclusions:
- Hot flushes or prior depression history do not present a distinct clinical profile in perimenopausal depression.
- Hormonal events during late perimenopause may be linked to depression onset.
- Postpartum depression and premenstrual dysphoria are not consistent accompaniments of perimenopausal depression.
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