Opioid addiction and the menopause share similar signs and symptoms, which may confuse a diagnosis, impairing treatment options. The menopause is diagnosed commonly in middle-aged women by testing blood and urine. Opioid dependence is diagnosed using urine analysis, assessment and diagnostic tools. A misdiagnosis may result in unwanted symptomatology and chronic disease. Nurses need to develop a better understanding of how best to use clinical assessment tools to assess women who are opioid-dependent and experiencing the menopause.A combined assessment strategy should encourage nurses to identify a correct diagnosis and source of treatment.
Primary Health Care. 26, 1, 34-40. doi: 10.7748/phc.26.1.34.s31
Correspondence Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double-blind review and checked using antiplagiarism software
Conflict of interestNone declared
Received: 15 May 2015
Accepted: 15 July 2015
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