Review, 1993
What mood disorders affect women and how should they be treated?
Yes. Premenstrual depression is strongly linked to major depression and responds well to serotonin-boosting antidepressants. SSRIs are especially useful because they have few side effects and are safe even in overdose.
What they did
This is a clinical review of mood disorders in women from puberty to menopause. The authors discuss connections between the menstrual cycle and mood, postpartum mood episodes, bipolar disorder in women, and the importance of early treatment.
What they found
Premenstrual depression is very strongly linked to major depression and other mood disorders and likely to benefit from antidepressant therapy. SSRIs have low side effect profiles including low weight gain and are safe in overdoses. Women develop rapid-cycling bipolar disorder (frequent mood swings) more often than men. Women with a history of bipolar disorder are at high risk for postpartum mood episodes.
What it means for you
Premenstrual depression is a serious condition that should be treated early with appropriate medication. SSRIs are a good choice because they are effective and well-tolerated. The main limit is that this is a clinical review, not a research study with control groups testing specific treatments.
About the study
- Original title
- Women and mood disorders. Menarche to menopause
- Authors
- Pariser SF
- Journal
- Annals of clinical psychiatry : official journal of the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists
- Year
- 1993
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- Antidepressant treatment (SSRIs and anticonvulsants)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3109/10401239309148824
Topics
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