Anxiety and depression in menopausal transition: A hospital-based study from Kashmir

Abstract

Background: Menopausal transition (MT) is the period of irregular menstrual activity which directly precedes menopause and is characterized by widely fluctuating hormone levels and reproductive, metabolic, and psychological disturbances. We aimed to study the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity among ambulatory women in MT. Materials and Methods: One hundred consecutive ambulatory women in MT were assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria by means of the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, English version 5.0.0. The diagnosis of MT was made according to the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop. Results: About 28% of the cases had major depressive disorder (MDD), 14% had anxiety disorders, and 7% had anxiety with depression. A statistically significant difference in psychiatric comorbidity was found between the age groups of 45–50 years and 51–55 years. There was a statistically significant difference between onset of menarche and psychiatric comorbidity. Women in the late MT had statistically significant sleep disturbances. Conclusion: A high prevalence of mental disorders was observed which included MDD and other anxiety disorders. The results suggested that screening and appropriate management for psychiatric disorders should be part of the routine evaluation that would help in early recognition of symptoms and reduction in discomfort of these symptoms.

Keywords

• anxiety
• depression
• menopausal transition
• psychiatric comorbidity