 Women and Depression:Know the Facts
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Studies in the Mood Disorders Program focus on stress as it relates to depression in women. Women with depression often are more vulnerable to stressful life events, and researchers hope to better understand stress in depressed women. Other research explores the contributing role of hormones to depression. Estrogen may be a useful agent to help treat depression in menopausal women. Some of these new treatment strategies also may help women who are having difficulty with memory and attention to sustain or improve their cognitive skills as they age. Women who are not currently using antidepressant medication may be eligible for no-cost treatment. Other studies focus on depression and alcohol use in pregnancy. In one study, pregnant women are screened for depression in ob/gyn clinics, and may be eligible for no-cost treatments to help them with their depression. Educational, cognitive/behavioral, and medication treatments are included. The second study involves screening women for alcohol use during pregnancy. Identifying risk factors for drinking alcohol during pregnancy is important as alcohol may be damaging to fetal development. Women who report alcohol use during pregnancy will be compared to women who do not use alcohol while pregnant. Findings from this study will be used to help health care providers identify and educate women who may be at risk for harmful alcohol use during pregnancy. All studies are ongoing and are in need of participants. If you would like to be considered for participation in either study, please call the Women's Health Resource Center at (734) 936-8886 and ask to be added to the "Women's Mental Health Contact List."
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