Predictors of depression in women.

The identification of depression in women is a challenge for nurses. Case finding for health promotion can be performed when risk factors are identified, when a determination of symptoms using DSM III-R2 criteria is made, and when the clients are referred for appropriate interventions. The referring nurse can be a support system while the client is in the initial phases of intervention. Nurses can have a major role in the identification of and planning of treatment for women who are depressed or at risk for depression.