Download Does Depression Affect Women more than it Affects Men?

Does depression
affect women more
than it affects men?
Lindsey Currin
Psy 223
DEPRESSION
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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:

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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.
Continued……
•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.
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
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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:
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Depressed mood
Diminished interest in activities
Significant weight loss or gain
Insomnia or hypersomnia
Motor agitation or retardation
Fatigue and/or loss of energy
Continued….
•Feeling of worthlessness
•Diminished ability to concentrate
•Suicidal ideation
•(Fogle and Woods, 1995.)
Vulnerability

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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:
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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

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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
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American Psychological Association.
www.apa.org
Blechman, E. and Brownell, K. Behavioral
Medications and Women: A
Comprehensive Handbook. The Guilford
Press. NY. 1998.
Carroll, D. and Niven, C. The Health
Psychology of Women. Harwood Academic
Publishers. Switzerland. 1993.
Continued…….
•Fogel, C. and Woods, N. Women’s Health
Care: A Comprehensive Handbook. SAGE
Publications. Thousand Oaks. 1995.
•Gallant, S., Keita, G., and Roya-Schaler, R.
Health Care for Women: Psychological,
Social and Behavioral Influences. American
Psychological Association. Washington,
D.C. 1997.
Continued…..
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Hall, R. Psychiatric Presentations of Medical
Illnesses: Somatopsychic Disorders. SP
Medical and Scientific Books. NY. 1980.
Tierney, L., McPhee, S., and Papadakis, M.
2002 Current Medical Diagnosis and
Treatment: Adult Ambulatory and Inpatient
Managemnet. Lange Medical
Books/McGraw-Hill. NY. 2002.
Continued….
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www.cpa-apc.org/
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www.depressiontreatment.com/womendepress.htm
www.healthnet.com/healthy_woman/
words_for_women/health_conditions/03
j_womenanddepression.asp
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