The licensed mental health providers listed in this directory specialize in anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and related disorders. All providers listed are professional members of ADAA who have chosen to be included in this database.
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Women have an increased risk for depression as they transition to menopause. The time period before menopause is "perimenopause" and it represents the passage from reproductive to non-reproductive life. Research has indicated that depression is more likely to occur before menopause, known as "perimenopause" while women experience a fluctuation of hormones. Estrogen levels gradually declining may bring on depression.
Click here to read more about depression.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
- Two or more weeks of depressed mood
- Decreased interest or pleasure in activities
- Change in appetite
- Change in sleep patterns
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Extreme restlessness and irritability
- Thoughts of suicide
Treatment
Depression is treatable at any stage of life. For perimenopausal mood swings, some experts recommend a low-dose oral contraceptive (OC) to help stablize hormone levels1.
ADAA Resources
Blogs
- Women and Depression
- Diverse Women in Clinical Trials: Making a Difference
- Be There for Women Veterans in Your Community
Personal Stories of Triumph: Depression
- My Cure
- "Just Perfect"
- I’m a Comedian, and I’m Depressed
- Not Really a Rebel
- How Depression Changed His Life
- Abigail's Story
Webinars
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Using Behavioral Activation Treatment to Treat Perinatal Mood Disorders - ADAA professional webinar
Other Resources
- Mental Health, Depression, and Menopause- Healthline.com
- Depression in Women: 5 Things You Should Know- NIMH
- Depression in Women - HelpGuide.org
- Depression in Women: Understanding the gender gap - Mayo Clinic
- Depression in Women - Mental Health America
- Depression - womenshealth.gov
Trending Articles
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- Hormone Replacement Therapy May Prevent Depression in Menopause
- Self-guided Course Helps Women manage menopause symptoms at work
1. Depression & Menopause. (2018). Menopause. The North American Menopause Society.
