Abstract
Perimenopause has long been associated with psychological distress, both anecdotally and clinically. Research has identified
this time as a period of increased risk for both first-episode depression and for depression reoccurrence. However, we know
that the majority of women do not experience these difficulties during perimenopause. This review examines the current research
literature looking at the factors associated with depression during perimenopause, with a view to identifying those factors
which are protective and those factors which predict increased risk. From the literature, it is evident that some women have
a hormonal vulnerability to mood disorders. However, this does not account for the phenomenon of perimenopausal depression
in and of itself. Rather, there appears to be a complex interplay between hormonal vulnerability, the psychosocial resources
one has (coping skills and social support), their overall well-being (exercise and other lifestyle factors) and the demands
on their coping resources (stressful life events). The complexity of the relationship between perimenopause and depression
means that there is a need to look beyond either as a sole explanation of mood during midlife. Education is required for both
general practitioners and for women regarding the individual risks of psychological distress during perimenopause, as well
as the knowledge of the life factors which we know to be protective.
this time as a period of increased risk for both first-episode depression and for depression reoccurrence. However, we know
that the majority of women do not experience these difficulties during perimenopause. This review examines the current research
literature looking at the factors associated with depression during perimenopause, with a view to identifying those factors
which are protective and those factors which predict increased risk. From the literature, it is evident that some women have
a hormonal vulnerability to mood disorders. However, this does not account for the phenomenon of perimenopausal depression
in and of itself. Rather, there appears to be a complex interplay between hormonal vulnerability, the psychosocial resources
one has (coping skills and social support), their overall well-being (exercise and other lifestyle factors) and the demands
on their coping resources (stressful life events). The complexity of the relationship between perimenopause and depression
means that there is a need to look beyond either as a sole explanation of mood during midlife. Education is required for both
general practitioners and for women regarding the individual risks of psychological distress during perimenopause, as well
as the knowledge of the life factors which we know to be protective.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Review Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s00737-012-0304-0
- Authors
- Zoe Gibbs, Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, The Alfred and Monash University, Level 1, Old Baker Building, The Alfred Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Stuart Lee, Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, The Alfred and Monash University, Level 1, Old Baker Building, The Alfred Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Jayashri Kulkarni, Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, The Alfred and Monash University, Level 1, Old Baker Building, The Alfred Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Journal Archives of Women’s Mental Health
- Online ISSN 1435-1102
- Print ISSN 1434-1816