A study of premenopausal psychiatric disorders

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Women's Health
• Gerontology

Background:

• Psychiatric disorders disproportionately affect women, particularly during transitional life stages.
• The perimenopausal period is associated with significant hormonal and psychological changes.
• Understanding demographic and clinical differences in psychiatric presentations is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare demographic profiles, presenting complaints, and psychiatric diagnoses between two age groups of women (25-35 and 40-50 years).
• To specifically analyze the characteristics of perimenopausal women (40-50 years) attending psychiatric services.

Main Methods:

• A study of 100 consecutive women attending psychiatric services at NIMHANS.
• Data collected on demographic profile, presenting complaints, and psychiatric diagnosis.
• Comparison between age groups: 25-35 years and 40-50 years (perimenopausal).

Main Results:

• Perimenopausal women (40-50 years) were predominantly illiterate, multiparous, and from rural Hindu backgrounds.
• Somatic and depressive/somatic features were the most common presenting complaints (66%).
• Affective/neurotic syndromes were diagnosed in 87% of perimenopausal women, with 21% experiencing associated physical problems.

Conclusions:

• Perimenopausal women presenting for psychiatric care exhibit distinct demographic and clinical characteristics.
• Somatic complaints and affective/neurotic syndromes are highly prevalent in this group.
• Further research is needed to explore the interplay of socioeconomic factors, physical health, and mental well-being in perimenopausal women.