Obstetrician-gynecologists’ screening and management of depression during perimenopause

OBJECTIVE: Depression in women is more common during perimenopause (the time period around and during menopause) than pre and postmenopause. Obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) play a vital role in the detection and management of depression symptoms in women because for many women ob-gyns are the first and most frequent point of medical contact. This study assessed ob-gyns' screening practices and management of depression in perimenopause. METHODS: A survey regarding depression during perimenopause was sent to 500 practicing ob-gyns who were fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and members of the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 41.8% (209 of 500 surveys returned). Over a third of respondents (34.1%) reported that they did not regularly screen perimenopausal patients for depression. Higher-quality education about depression, respondent sex, and personal experience with depression were associated with higher rates of screening. While 85.7% of respondents believed that they could recognize depression in perimenopausal women, only about half (55.8%) were confident in their ability to treat these patients. CONCLUSION: Increased education of ob-gyn physicians related to depression during perimenopause may increase the screening and treatment of women during this phase of life.