Depression in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: Integrating psychological nursing into holistic care

Depression is highly prevalent among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, driven by the combined effects of hormonal changes, reduced bone density, and psychosocial stress. A recent study by Cui and Su reported that 73.3% of affected women exhibited depressive symptoms, with low bone mineral density, chronic comorbidities, and reduced serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) levels as key risk factors. Notably, nurse-led psychological interventions improved both mood and quality of life. This editorial underscore the need to integrate mental health support into standard osteoporosis care. Simple, scalable strategies such as routine screening and nurse-delivered emotional support may help bridge the gap between physical and psychological health. These approaches are especially relevant for aging populations across diverse healthcare settings. A dual focus on bone and emotional well-being is essential to improving outcomes in this vulnerable group.