Premenopausal Women with Newly Diagnosed Depression

Is menopause making you irritable and depressed? Do you wish to stay away from antidepressant medications and want to try out something more natural? Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), the all-natural alternative, may be the answer for you.

Studies have shown:

• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment provides clinically relevant outcomes as an adjunct therapy in decreasing symptoms of newly diagnosed depression in premenopausal women.

The termination of menstruation and fertility of women is known as menopause, and occurs 12 months after the last menstrual period, during their 40s or 50s. The transitional period from normal menstrual periods to menopause is the perimenopausal period, and can be associated with depression.

Causes

The exact cause of perimenopausal depression is not clear. Possible causes may include hormonal fluctuations, psychosocial stressors, and personality characteristics such as one’s perception of menopause and aging.

Symptoms

Symptoms of premenopausal depression include irritability, mood swings, tearfulness, extreme anxiety and despair, guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness, lack of interest in previously pleasurable activities, poor concentration, decreased libido, and decreased energy

Diagnosis

Clinical depression is diagnosed based on the frequency and severity of symptoms, a thorough history, and physical exam. Blood and urine tests may be performed during the evaluation to rule out other causes of symptoms.

Treatment

Most patients with perimenopausal depression are effectively treated and may include:

• Osteopathic manipulative treatment
• Hormone replacement therapy: may be used alone or in combination with drug therapy
• Psychotherapy: includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy helps to alleviate negative thinking, brings awareness of symptoms and triggers, and develops problem-solving skills.
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on improving troubled personal relationships that may be associated with a person’s depression
• Antidepressants

For a list of articles supporting OMT, please click here.

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