CONTRACEPTIVE CHOICES FOR BEHAVIORALLY DISORDERED WOMEN

Women with psychologic disturbances of depression, anxiety, or thought disorganization pose a special management problem when providing a sa fe and effective means of contraception. The difficulty is compounded by the fact that many mentally disturbed women also abuse drugs. There fore, providing contraception to the many types of behaviorally distur bed women requires the full range of contraceptive options and protect ion from sexually transmitted diseases. When compliance can be assured , oral contraceptives are the preferred method. When compliance is que stionable, progestin implants or injections may be tried. However, pro gestin-only preparations are associated with several side effects, inc luding worsening of mood in depressive patients.