Prevalence of Psychiatric Morbidity and Somatic Symptoms in Perimenopausal Women

A BSTRACT Background: During the perimenopausal phase, women experience a myriad of somatic symptoms as well as changes in mood and emotions which could be related to the endocrine changes and psychological factors during this transition. Aim: The aim was to assess the prevalence of somatic symptoms and psychiatric morbidity in perimenopausal women. Material and Methods: By purposive sampling, 100 women in the age group of 45–55 years were included in the study with their consent. They were assessed with a self-made sociodemographic proforma, Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), depression, anxiety, stress scale (DASS 21), Menopause Rating Scale, big five inventory scale (BFI-10), and social support scale. Results: Psychiatric morbidity was seen in 41% of perimenopausal women, out of which 32% showed somatic symptoms. Seventeen percent had mild-to-moderate depressive features, 17% showed mild-to-moderate anxiety, and 7% were dysthymic. Conclusion: Prevalent life stressors seemed to affect the transition into menopause for many women which directly corresponded to the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity and somatic symptoms in them.