Annotated Bibliography On Depression In Women

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Depression in Women: Diagnostic and Treatment Considerations SUBHASH C. BHATIA, M.D., and SHASHI K. BHATIA, M.D., Creighton University School of Medicine and University of Nebraska College of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska Am Fam Physician. 1999 Jul 1;60(1):225-234. See related patient information handout on depression in women, written by the authors of this article. Women experience depression twice as often as men. The diagnostic criteria for depression are the same for both sexes, but women with depression more frequently experience guilt, anxiety, increased appetite and sleep, weight gain and comorbid eating disorders. Women may achieve higher plasma concentrations of antidepressants and thus may require lower dosages of these medications.…show more content…
Markedly depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, self-deprecation†Suddenly feeling sad or tearful, with increased sensitivity to personal rejection†Decreased interest in usual activitiesLethargy, fatigue, marked lack of energyMarked changes in appetite and cravings for certain foodsInsomnia or hypersomnia Marked anxiety, tension, feeling of being “keyed up” or “on edge”†Persistent or marked irritability, anger, increased interpersonal conflicts†Feeling overwhelmed or out of control Subjective sense of having difficulty concentrating Breast tenderness or swelling, headaches, joint or muscle pain, weight gain, “bloated”…show more content…
Nonpuerperal and puerperal depression are treated similarly unless the mother is breast-feeding. Data regarding the excretion of antidepressants in breast milk are limited.32 The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs35 concluded that “antidepressants are drugs whose effect on nursing infants is unknown but may be of concern.” Based on some reports, antidepressants considered to have no adverse effects on breast-fed infants (Table 8) may be considered for use in women with postpartum depression. Electroconvulsive therapy may be of value in patients who have severe depression with psychosis and an increased risk of suicide. Some investigators have found that estrogen therapy may be effective in patients with post-partum major depression.38 Double-blind studies are necessary before this therapy can be recommended for general use. Although pharmacotherapies for depression carry some risks, untreated depression may lead to significant problems. If depression is not treated, poor self-care, poor nutrition and newborn neglect may adversely affect infant development and maternal-child bonding. DEPRESSION DURING THE PERIMENOPAUSAL
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