The paper draws attention to the increased incidence of clinical depression reported during the climacteric period of the female life continuum. It seeks to identify factors which may be responsible for this phenomenon, drawing upon research and anecdotal evidence from both the biological and social sciences. With this aim, changes during the climacteric period for women are examined within a bio-psycho-social framework. Nursing care and treatment of those suffering depression within this stage of the middle years are discussed briefly and the influence of personal beliefs, held by both the patient and clinician, emphasized. The relevance and importance of these factors when employing the Roy Adaptation model in the care of such clients is also considered. In conclusion, the author stresses the need for a holistic approach and highlights the value of Roy's model in care provision for this patient group.