Biopsychosocial Risk Factors of Depression in the Menopausal Transition: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Context: As the most common psychiatric disorder associated with menopause, depression is associated with significant morbidity and mortality consequences. Given the importance of identifying risk factors of depression in the menopausal period, this study aims to determine bio psychosocial risk factors of depression during the menopausal transition. Evidence Acquisition: For this narrative review, electronic databases including Google Scholar, Magiran, Scientific Information Database (SID), PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid, Science Direct, and ProQuest were searched. Articles published between 1978 and 2017 were retrieved, and an abstract and full-text appraisal was conducted. A total of 71 articles were selected for this review. The inclusion criteria included articles focusing on depression in menopausal-aged women that were published in scientific journals and English and Farsi language articles conducted in menopausal aged women. Results: The bio psychosocial risk factors of depression were divided into three major categories: biological, psychological, and social risk factors. Conclusions: Given the important role of psychological health in menopausal-aged women, it is recommended that mental health and risk factors of psychiatric disorders in menopause are evaluated at menopause clinics and that every high-risk woman is referred to a psychiatrist for pharmacological or non-pharmacological intervention.