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The Blues: What Every Woman Should Know

Life is full of emotional difficulties. But when the "down" times are long-lasting or interfere with your ability to function, you may be suffering from a common condition - "the blues" - which affects mood, mind, body and behavior.

No two people experience the blues in exactly the same way. Many people have only some of the symptoms, varying in severity and duration. For some, symptoms occur in time-limited episodes. Or for others, symptoms can be present for long periods of time.

WOMEN ARE AT GREATER RISK FOR THE BLUES THAN MEN

A variety of factors unique to women's lives is suspected to play a role in developing the blues. Research is focused on understanding these, including: reproductive, hormonal, genetic or other biological factors; abuse and oppression; interpersonal factors; and certain psychological and personality characteristics. And yet, the specific causes of the blues in women remain unclear; many women exposed to these factors do not develop this condition. What is clear is that regardless of the contributing factors, the blues is a highly treatable.

THE MANY DIMENSIONS OF THE BLUES IN WOMEN

Investigators are focusing on many areas in their study of the blues in women. For example, the issues of adolescence, including forming an identity, emerging sexuality, separating from parents and making decisions for the first time, along with other physical, intellectual, and hormonal changes; along with moving into adulthood, relationships and work roles, including major responsibilities at home and work, single parenthood, and caring for children and aging parents;

In addition, reproductive events can lead to fluctuations in mood. Women's reproductive events include the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the post pregnancy period, infertility, menopause, and sometimes, the decision not to have children. Researchers have confirmed that hormones have an effect on the brain chemistry that controls emotions and mood; a specific biological mechanism explaining hormonal involvement is not known, however.

Many women experience certain behavioral and physical changes associated with phases of their menstrual cycles. In some women, these changes are severe, occur regularly and include depressed feelings, irritability and other emotional and physical changes. Called premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), the changes typically begin after ovulation and become gradually worse until menstruation starts.

Postpartum mood changes can range from transient "blues" immediately following childbirth to an episode of major depression to severe, incapacitating, psychotic depression. Pregnancy seldom contributes to the blues. Menopause, in general, is not associated with an increased risk of the blues. In fact, while once considered a unique disorder, research has shown that depressive illness at menopause is no different than at other ages

MOOD DISORDERS ARE TREATABLE

As with many conditions, the earlier a care program begins, the more effective and the greater the likelihood of preventing recurrences. Of course, this program will not eliminate life's inevitable stresses and difficulties. But it can greatly enhance the ability to manage such challenges and lead to greater enjoyment of life.

Source: National Institutes of Health