This Friday, October 10, is Screening for Mental Health’s National Depression Screening Day, an effort to raise awareness for depression and its treatment.
The risk for depression is nearly twice as high in women as in men, and reproductive-aged women are at highest risk for developing depression. Numerous research studies suggest that untreated depression can have detrimental effects on a woman’s health, whether it affects the outcomes of a pregnancy or the severity of a menopausal woman’s hot flashes (please browse our Library for articles on depression in women throughout the reproductive life cycle).
The Screening for Mental Health website features an online screening tool for depression and other mood and anxiety disorders, and offers a list of free screenings on October 10 throughout the United States. You may also find searching our website and blog helpful to learn more about depression in women and treatment options. If you think you are depressed or anxious, we encourage you to attend a screening and contact your local health care provider for an evaluation and to discuss possible treatments.
Katherine Donovan, BA
Resources:
National Depression Screening Day Website
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS): For screening in women who are either pregnant or postpartum
Online Version
Printable Version
Serrano E, Warnock J. Depressive disorders related to female reproductive transitions. Journal of Pharmacy Practice 2007; 20(5):385-391
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