Risk for New Onset of Depression During the Menopausal Transition

• DOI: 10.1001/archpsyc.63.4.385
• Publication Date: 2006-04-03T20:33:26Z
• Authors: Lee S. Cohen; Claudio N. Soares; Allison F. Vitonis; Michael W. Otto; Bernard L. Harlow
• Keywords: Depression; History of depression; Major depressive episode

<h3>Context</h3> Transition to menopause has long been considered a period of increased risk for depressive symptoms. However, it is unclear whether this one major disorder, particularly women who have not had previous episode depression. <h3>Objective</h3> To examine the association between menopausal transition and onset first lifetime depression among with no history mood disturbance. <h3>Design</h3> Longitudinal, prospective cohort study. <h3>Setting</h3> A population-based cross-sectional sample. <h3>Participants</h3> Premenopausal women, 36 45 years age, diagnosis (N = 460), residing in 7 Boston, Mass, metropolitan area communities. <h3>Main Outcome Measure</h3> Incidence new based on structured clinical interviews, Center Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale scores, an operational construct <h3>Results</h3> entered perimenopause were twice as likely develop significant symptoms remained premenopausal, after adjustment age at study enrollment negative life events. The was somewhat greater self-reported vasomotor <h3>Conclusions</h3> current suggests that within similarly aged population depression, those enter earlier Further studies are needed determine more definitively other factors, such presence symptoms, use hormone therapy, occurrence adverse events, independently modify risk. Physical associated changes seen during may affect many they lead burden illness.