Recent researchers suggest that depression and anxiety disrupt primary systems in the body responsive to stress. This disruption results in bodily and emotional responses such as changes in sleep and appetite, loss of interest in sexuality, and the disorganization of circadian rhythms. Studies find a very high coexistence of anxiety and depression in individuals of the same family. Know your own family history and be aware of possible continuing psychological trends in yourself.

Other investigators suggest that there is a group of women who are hyper-responsive to reproductive cycle and emotional events, or to both bodily and/or emotional stress. These women are predisposed to be the most vulnerable to experiencing a more difficult menopause. One way to determine if you are hyper-responsive is by talking with many other women and learning how they respond to events similar to events in your life, in their lives. There is no right or wrong way to respond, only how each individual woman responds.

Caroline Dott, PhD, LCSW, CGP

Midlife Specialist, Therapist, Professional Speaker

Riverbend Ob-Gyn & Counseling

993 Johnson Ferry Road, NE

Suite D-360

Atlanta, GA 30342

Office:  404-250-1350

Website:  www.midlife-passages.com

Dr. Caroline Dott  is available to lecture on the psychology of male and female menopause as well as issues related to the midlife-transitions of men and women.  She is particularly interested in behavioral issues affecting management level personnel at midlife and how midlife transitions effect function and performance in the workplace.   She has lectured on such related issues such as the impact of corporate downsizing on both male and female midlife executives.  She is available to travel and give seminars on the topics covered in this website both nationally and internationally.

Copyright by Caroline Dott, PhD, 2007