That's why it's important for women after menopause to know the warning signs of depression and the unique characteristics of this disorder in postmenopausal women. Whatever the cause or circumstances, depression can cause problems for women after menopause. Be sure you or the postmenopausal women in your life seek proper care. Women are twice as likely as men to experience mood disorders such as depression in their lives. One in four women, as opposed to one in eight men, is likely to experience depression at some point in her life.
Psychiatrists believe that a depression diagnosis is missed in up to two-third of affected patients.
An estimated 15 percent of people hospitalized for depression eventually take their own lives. Nearly all older adults who committed suicide suffered from major depression. Eli Lilly and Company . All rights reserved. This site is intended for US residents only.