Are oestrogens useful for the treatment of depression in women

Are oestrogens useful for the treatment of depression in women
Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 02/11/09

 

Studd J et al. - Antidepressant medication is not usually successful, although this is often the preferred treatment for general practitioners and psychiatrists, possibly because of the potential side-effects of high-dose oestrogen administration. This article covers the diagnosis and treatment of premenstrual depression, postnatal depression and depression occurring in the climacteric period to emphasize the chronic nature of the problem and the best ways of diagnosing and relieving this distressing condition.

 

 

 

Alzheimer's disease in women
Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 02/11/09

Craig MC et al. - Women have a significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) than men. This has contributed to the hypothesis that the menopause may contribute to the cascade of pathological processes leading to AD. These studies have suggested that OT may protect against AD if it is given to younger women around the time of the menopause (the 'critical period' hypothesis). However, it may have a negative or neutral effect if it is prescribed to women after this time.

 

 

 

 

Predictors of Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Intracranial Neoplasms
Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 02/11/09

Appleby BS et al. - This study suggests that depression and anxiety are common comorbidities and that preexisting psychiatric disorders predispose to their occurrence within the neuro-oncology setting.