Using Network Analysis to Understand the Associations Between Menopausal Symptoms and Mental Health in Women With Intellectual Disabilities.

BACKGROUND

Women with intellectual disabilities typically face high rates of mental health and communication difficulties. Given associations between menopause and mental health in the general population and the lack of research on this topic in women with intellectual disabilities, it is critical to investigate associations between menopause and mental health in this population.

METHOD: Cross-sectional data were drawn from a cohort study in Ireland (n = 104). Measures included data on menopause, challenging behaviours and psychotropic medication. Associations between menopausal symptoms and mental health were examined through regression and network analysis.

RESULTS

Vasomotor symptoms, fatigue, and mood changes were associated with menopause-specific anxiety, which was further linked to challenging behaviour and psychotropic medication use.

CONCLUSIONS

Menopausal symptoms were associated with mental health challenges, which, in turn, could influence challenging behaviour and psychotropic medication use in this population; implying that menopause-specific mental health symptoms may be overlooked and incorrectly treated.