Does depression affect women more than it affects men? Lindsey Currin Psy 223

DEPRESSION Depression is a serious mood disorder that affects more than 17 million adults in the United States. Many times, the disorder is “under diagnosed and under treated by primary care and other non-mental health practitioners.” (Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, 2003)

Symptoms and Signs of Depression: Poorer moods, which generally range from moderate sadness to an extreme sense of guilt or hoplessness. Problem in thinking, being unable to concentrate, and/or lacking the ability to make a decision. Lack of interest and participation in work and/or recreational activities.

Inability to sleep or disproportionate amounts of sleep, lack of energy, decreased or lowered sex drive. Sudden and persistent headaches, and increased/decreased appetite. Apprehension or nervousness. Continued……

Not a Normal Response Depression is not considered to be a normal reaction to sorrow or anguish. A patient with depression usually demonstrates frustration and annoyance towards the clinician rather than sadness. Because of these emotions towards the clinician, the patient usually develops a sense of guilt.

Causes of Depression This mood disorder is thought to be the expression of certain genetic disturbances, developmental factors, and/or psychological stress. Depression can also be caused by a traumatic event in the patients life. Depression has also been linked to high cortisol levels. High levels have been known to inhibit immune system activity.

To be diagnosed with depression, 5 or more symptoms must be present each day: Depressed mood Diminished interest in activities Significant weight loss or gain Insomnia or hypersomnia Motor agitation or retardation Fatigue and/or loss of energy

Feeling of worthlessness Diminished ability to concentrate Suicidal ideation (Fogle and Woods, 1995.) Continued….

Vulnerability Women are particularly more vulnerable to developing depression than men. This vulnerability is believed to be associated with early gender role identity, success and failures in life, the patients self image, and/or negative coping styles.. Society’s stereotypes increase the vulnerability of women.

Life Events It has been hypothesized that one reason why women suffer from more depression than men is because women have a more significant number of stressful life events.

4 Factors of Vulnerability for Women: The death of a woman’s mother before the age of eleven. Having three of more children under the age of fourteen. Having an absence of a confiding relationship with a husband or partner. Absence of a job or employment.

Socioeconomic Status The four factors of vulnerability have been proven to be unequally distributed over socioeconomic status. While they are unequally distributed, it has been found that women with lower status are subjected to a higher number of severe or stressful events in their life, therefore putting them at a higher risk for depression and drug abuse.

Chemically Depressed Women Chemically depressed women are known to have a higher number of mental health problems in their “family or origin” than men do. (Fogel and Woods, 1995.)

Men vs. Women Depression affects less than 2% of men. Unmarried men have higher rates of depression than married men. 5%-12% of men will become depressed in their lifetime. Depression affects 4.5% of women. Women are 3 times more likely to develop depression in an unhappy marriage than men.

Continued…….. Men are 4 times more likely to die by suicide when depressed. Married women have higher rates of depression than unmarried women. Women attempt suicide 2-3 times more often than men.

Child Abuse Child abuse is thought to be one of the leading causes of depression in later life. It has also been proven that girls are the victims of child abuse more often than boys.

Depression and Women Because of the differences in males and females, depression is usually not noticed until after puberty has started or until after menopause. Researchers believe that hormonal factors influence a women's vulnerability. Stress that is related to such factors as several roles at home and also at work, being financially unstable, being exposed to violence and abuse, and raising children alone, can also be a determining factor in the development of depression.

Genetic Factors There has been research based on the genetic makeup of twins that suggests that depression has a genetic factor.

Preventable and Treatable Depression is a highly treatable and preventable disorder that can be managed with therapy and medications.

Bibliography American Psychological Association. Blechman, E. and Brownell, K. Behavioral Medications and Women: A Comprehensive Handbook. The Guilford Press. NY Carroll, D. and Niven, C. The Health Psychology of Women. Harwood Academic Publishers. Switzerland

Continued……. Fogel, C. and Woods, N. Women’s Health Care: A Comprehensive Handbook. SAGE Publications. Thousand Oaks Gallant, S., Keita, G., and Roya-Schaler, R. Health Care for Women: Psychological, Social and Behavioral Influences. American Psychological Association. Washington, D.C

Continued….. Hall, R. Psychiatric Presentations of Medical Illnesses: Somatopsychic Disorders. SP Medical and Scientific Books. NY Tierney, L., McPhee, S., and Papadakis, M Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment: Adult Ambulatory and Inpatient Managemnet. Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill. NY

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