Depression and menopause

Abstract:

Often associated with hormonal changes, postmenopause represents a particularly delicate period in woman‘s life. Hormonal changes may create a variety of menopausal symptoms, including mood swings and depression. Depression in menopause is among the mental disorders that need to be timely recognized and treated. Numerous medications and psychotherapeutic methods are used to treat menopausal depression. In the therapeutic sense, there is a growing evidence that a combined therapeutic approach including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, gains the best results. A positive therapeutic alliance between a doctor and a patient is considered essential in the treatment of the menopausal depression.

Key words:
depression; diagnosis; menopause; therapy