Are Women more Vulnearble to Depression than Men Wafaa El-Bahaey Prof. of Psychiatry, Mansoura Univ. 14 –

Why? High Prevalence

The Story of Women Depression Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (5%/ 40%) Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder ……. …….. …… …… …… …… Depression during Pregnancy (10 %) Depression during Pregnancy …….. …….. Post- Partum Depression (10 %) Post- Partum Depression …….. …….. Menopausal & Post-menopausal Depression

Father MotherChildren Family Unit

Mother Suffering of Mother Adverse Effects on Child development Family crisis

What is Depression?

Symptoms of Depression Psychological –Depressed mood –Decreased interest in activities –Feelings of guilt, hopelessness –Suicidal thoughts Physical & Physiolog –Sleep disturbance –Appetite/weight changes –Difficulty concentrating –Fatigue –Decreased energy

To diagnose Depressive illness: More than 2 weeks of at least 5 of: Depressed mood Diminished interest in activities Significant weight loss or gain Insomnia or hypersomnia Motor agitation or retardation Fatigue and/or loss of energy

Gender Differences in Depression

I-Prevalence Men vs. Women Depression affects less than 2% of men. 5%-12% of men will become depressed in their lifetime. Unmarried men have higher rates of depression. Depression affects 4.5% of women. 20% of women will become depressed in their lifetime. Married women have higher rates. unhappy marriage leads to depression in Women 3 times than men.

II-Symptom Profile Women have earlier onset of depression Episodes may last longer and recur more often More atypical symptoms (hyper-somnia, hyper-phagia) Suicide attempts more frequent but less successful More anxiety symptoms than men More associated migraine headaches More feelings of guilt Less substance abuse than men

III-Vulnerability A- Biological B- Psychosocial

A- Biological Genetic Neurotransmitters Hormonal

B-Psychological Socialization & Society’s stereotypes increase the vulnerability of women. Men: Self-esteem is usually driven outdoors Women: Self-esteem is focused indoors women are more sensitive to stressful life events: (?? Poorer coping style)

Thank you

DisorderPrevalen ce OnsetDurationTreatment Blues30-75%Day 3 or 4Several days None Postpartu m Depressio n 10 – 15% Within weeks Weeks – Months Treatment by GP or psychiatrist usually required Postpartu m Psychosis 0.01 – 0.02% Within 2 weeks Weeks – months Psychiatric emergency Hospitalizat ion required