Table 1.
Comparison of presentation of perimenopausal depression with depressive episodes not associated with menopause
| Symptom group | Presentation in perimenopausal depressive episode | Presentation in non-menopause-related depressive episodes |
|---|---|---|
| Mood | Low (but may fluctuate – ‘on/off’ phenomenon12) | Persistently low. May be some diurnal variation |
| Self-esteem | Extremely low | Low |
| Anxiety symptoms | Likely to be present | May be present |
| Negative cognitions (guilt, worthlessness) | May be present | Likely to be present |
| Sleep | Very poor. May be worsened by vasomotor symptoms | Poor. Early-morning waking. |
| Psychomotor symptoms | Retardation less common. May be some agitation associated with irritability | Agitation/retardation seen |
| Anhedonia | May be present | Often present |
| Weight | Increases | Decreases |
| Memory/concentration problems | Very common, especially word-finding difficulties | May be present |
| Libido | Low | Low |
| Paranoid ideation | Common | May be present |
| Aggression/rage | Common | Unlikely to be present |
| Dissociation | Common | May be present |
| Pain | Joint pains/muscle aches/headaches common | May be present |