Depression and Depression Treatment in Women With Spinal Cord Injury

This study investigates depression and its treatment in women with spinal cord injury (SCI). It highlights the need for more research focused specifically on this population, as most existing studies predominantly involve male participants. The research found that a significant percentage of women with SCI experience depressive symptoms, yet many do not receive adequate treatment, particularly psychotherapy. This suggests a gap in healthcare provision for this specific group. The study also explores factors related to depression in women with SCI, such as secondary health conditions, pain, and overall health perceptions, to help clinicians better identify and support those at risk.

• 1
  A significant portion (41%) of the women with SCI showed depressive symptoms ranging from mild to severe, based on the Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI-II).
• 2
  Depression scores correlated significantly with the severity of secondary health conditions, the intensity of pain experienced, and poorer perceptions of overall health among the participants.
• 3
  Despite a considerable number of women exhibiting clinically significant depressive symptoms, only a small fraction reported receiving any form of treatment, with pharmacological interventions being the most common approach.