Posted 24 March 2023 - 05:00
Posted 24 March 2023 - 05:00
News
Menopause: nurses need training to recognise mental health risks
The impact of menopause on mental health is being underestimated with sometimes life-threatening consequences, according to a patient safety report
The impact of menopause on mental health is being underestimated with sometimes life-threatening consequences, according to a patient safety report
Mental health nurses should be trained alongside menopause nurse specialists to protect women from ‘serious consequences’, a patient safety report has found.
Training in menopause symptoms should be standard for mental health teams
The impact of the menopause is not being considered by community mental health service teams according to an inquiry by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB).
Women are frequently prescribed antidepressants when hormone replacement therapy (HRT) would be more appropriate.
‘Menopause is not routinely considered as a contributing factor in women with low mood who are assessed by mental health services, and staff do not receive training in this area as standard,’ the report states.
It recommends that joint training between menopause specialist nurses and community mental health teams would aid collaboration and encourage a ‘holistic approach’ to a mental health assessment.
NHS manager who died by suicide was profoundly affected by the menopause
The report followed the suicide of 56-year-old NHS manager Frances Wellburn, who was hospitalised when she began experiencing delusions and suicidal thoughts.
She was later discharged to a community team run by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV ) who classified her as low risk.
Investigators noted the menopause was a ‘potentially unconsidered’ factor in the treatment of Ms Wellburn. This is despite her sister telling the HSIB team that the impact of the menopause on her was profound, both physically and mentally.
The report noted that mid-life is a point when mental health can deteriorate, leading to an increased risk of suicide. Also women can be at increased risk of developing schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders at or around the menopause.
Report warns against using ranking system when assessing mental health risks
HSIB investigators also concluded that despite national guidance telling staff not to rank people as being at low, medium or high risk, too many NHS trusts still use the system.
It found that two thirds of nurses at 85 mental health trusts reported that they found clinical risk assessment tools had no predictive value.
The HSIB said the Royal College of Psychiatrists should form a working group to identify ways in which the menopause can be considered during mental health assessments.
A TEWV spokesperson said: ‘We fully support the findings and recommendations in the HSIB report into care delivery within community mental health teams. We will keep working closely with our partners in the wider health and social care system to make sure improvements are made.’
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