For the most part, women suffering from depression receive the
same types of treatment as everyone else. The main treatment approaches are
psychotherapy and antidepressant therapy. However, there are some special
treatment considerations for depression in women.
Depression, hormones, and the reproductive cycle
Hormone fluctuations related to the reproductive cycle can have a
profound influence on a woman’s mood. In light of this possibility, you and
your doctor should always look for connections between your depressive symptoms
and the female reproductive cycle.
Ø Is your depression connected to your menstrual
period and a possible effect of PMS?
Ø Are you pregnant and struggling with
complications and concerns related to the vast changes you and your body are
undergoing?
Ø Are you struggling with the baby blues after
recently giving birth?
Ø Or are you approaching menopause and dealing
with hormonal and emotional fluctuations?
All of these milestones in the reproductive cycle can influence or
trigger depression. It’s also important to consider mood-related side effects
from birth control medication or hormone replacement therapy.
How depression treatment is different for women
Specific aspects of treatment must often be modified for women.
Because of female biological differences, women should generally be started on
lower doses of antidepressants than men. Women are also more likely to
experience side effects, so any medication use should be closely monitored.
Finally, women are more likely than men to require simultaneous
treatment for other conditions such as anxiety disorders and eating disorders.
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