The risk of depression is higher in women than in men
Major depression and dysthymia affect twice as many women as men. This ratio of two-to-one exists regardless of racial and ethnic background or economic status. It has been reported the same relationship in ten other countries across the world. 12 men and women have the same rate of bipolar disorder (manic depression), although women typically report more depressive episodes and less manic. Also, a greater number of women are shaped with rapid cycling bipolar disorder, which may be more resistant to traditional treatments.
It is suspected that a variety of factors unique to the lives of women play a role in the development of depression. The research focuses on the understanding of these factors, including the factors: reproductive, hormonal, genetic or other biological factors, abuse and oppression, interpersonal factors, and certain psychological and personality. Still, the specific causes of depression in women remain unclear, many of the women who are exposed to these factors do not develop depression. What is clear is that regardless of the contributing factors, depression is a disease with effective treatment.
The many dimensions of depression in women
Researchers are focusing on the following areas in the study of depression in women:
The theme of adolescence
Before adolescence, there is little difference in the rate of depression among children. But between the ages of 11 and 13 years there is a notable increase in the rate of depression among girls. At the age of 15, women are likely to have experienced a major depressive episode twice more than men. 2 This happens at a time in adolescence when roles and expectations change dramatically. The stresses of adolescence include forming an identity, development of sexuality, separating from parents, and making decisions for the first time, along with other physical, intellectual, and hormonal. This stress is generally different between boys and girls, and may be associated more often with depression in females. Research indicates that high school female students have higher rates of depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and adjustment problems, significantly higher than those of male students, which have higher rates of disruptive behavior disorders.
Adults: relationships and role at work
Generally, stress can contribute to depression in people who are biologically vulnerable to disease. Some have theorized that the high rate of depression in women is not due to increased vulnerability but the specific stresses that many women face. These stresses include major responsibilities at home and work, single parenthood, and caring for children and aging parents. How these factors may affect women uniquely is something not yet fully understood. For both women and men, rates of major depression are higher among those who are separated or divorced, and lowest among those who are married, but are always higher for women than for men. However, the quality of marriage can contribute significantly to depression. It has been shown that when the relationship lacks intimacy and trust, and there are matrimonial disputes, this is related to depression in women. In fact, rates of depression were higher among women who were not happy in their marriages.
Reproductive events
reproductive events include the menstrual cycle women, pregnancy, the postpartum period, infertility, menopause, and sometimes, the decision not to have children. These events involve fluctuations in mood that for some women include depression. Researchers have confirmed that hormones affect brain chemistry that controls emotions and mood, although it is unknown the specific biological mechanism explaining the role of hormones.
Many women experience certain behavioral and physical changes associated with phases of the menstrual cycle. In some women, these changes are severe, occur regularly, and include feelings of depression, irritability, and other emotional and physical changes. The changes, known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS for short) or premenstrual dysphonic disorder (PMDD for its acronym in English), typically begin after ovulation and gradually worse until menstruation begins. Scientists are exploring how the cyclical rise and fall of estrogen and other hormones may affect the brain chemistry that is associated with depressive illness.
Postpartum mood changes ranging from a bit of sadness that immediately accompanies childbirth to an episode of major depression, a severe disabling psychotic depression. Studies indicate that women who experience major depression after giving birth most likely have experienced previous depressive episodes, but have not been diagnosed and treated.
Pregnancy (if desired) rarely leads to depression, and an abortion does not appear to result in higher incidence of depression. Women with infertility problems may be subject to episodes of extreme anxiety or sadness, but it is unclear if this contributes to a higher rate of depressive illness. Moreover, being a mother can be a time of high risk for depression due to stress and the demands it imposes. Menopause generally is not associated with an increased risk of depression. In fact, although once considered a single disorder, research has shown that depressive illness at menopause is no different than for other ages. Women more vulnerable to depression during the change of life are those who already have a history of depressive episodes.
Cultural considerations specific
to depression in general, the incidence rate of depression in African-American women and Hispanic remains double that of men. However, there are some indications that it is possible that depression and dysthymia may be diagnosed less frequently in African-American women and slightly more often in women than in women Hispanic Caucasian,. The information concerning the incidence of the disease to other racial and ethnic groups is not definitive.
It is possible that differences in presenting symptoms affect how recognized and diagnosed depression among minorities. For example, it is more likely than African Americans to report somatic symptoms, such as a change in appetite and body aches and pains. In addition, people of various cultural backgrounds may perceive symptoms of depression in different ways. Such factors should be considered when it comes to women of special populations.
Victimization
Studies show that women who were raped girls have a higher chance of suffering from clinical depression at some time during their lives than those with no such history. In addition, several studies show a higher incidence of depression among women who have been raped as teenagers or adults. Many more women than men have been sexually abused as children and, therefore, this information is relevant. Women who experience other common forms of abuse, such as physical abuse and sexual harassment at work, may also experience higher rates of depression. Abuse can lead to depression because it encourages low self-esteem, a sense of being helpless, self-blame, and social isolation. There may be biological and environmental factors of depression as a result of growing up in a dysfunctional family. Currently, it is necessary to conduct more research to understand whether victimization is linked to depression.
Poverty
Women and children represent seventy-five percent of the U.S. population is considered poor. Low economic status brings many stresses, including isolation, incerticumbre, frequent negative events, and poor access to helpful resources. Sadness and low morale are more common among people with low incomes and those who lack social support. But the research has not yet established whether depressive illnesses are more prevalent among people who experience environmental stressed.
Depression in later adulthood
At one time it was thought that women were particularly vulnerable to depression when their children were going home and they confronted the "empty nest syndrome" and experienced a deep sense of loss of purpose and identity . However, studies show no increase in depressive illness among women at this stage of life.
As in the younger age groups, older women suffer from depressive illness in greater numbers than men. Similarly, for all age groups, being unmarried (including widowhood) is also a risk factor for depression. Even more important, depression should not be considered as a normal consequence of the physical, social, and economic performance in recent years. In fact, studies show that most older people feel satisfied with their lives.
About 800,000 persons are widowed each year. Most of them are older age, female, and experience varying degrees of depressive symptoms. Most do not need formal treatment, but those who experience moderate or severe sadness seem to benefit from self-help groups or various psychosocial treatments. However, a third of widows and widowers have experience criteria for a major depressive episode during the first month after the death, and half of them are still clinically depressed a year later. These depressions respond to antidepressant treatment routine, although research on when to start treatment or how to combine drugs with psychosocial treatments are still in the early stages.
Depression is a treatable disease
still severe depression may respond successfully to treatment. In fact, the belief that one's condition is "incurable" is often part of the loss of hope that accompanies severe depression. Such people should be provided with information on the effectiveness of modern treatments for depression in a way that recognizes their doubts about whether the treatment would work for them. As with many illnesses, the earlier treatment begins, the more effective and more likely to be avoided reaparicións serious. Of course, the treatment does not eliminate the inevitable stresses and ups and downs of life. But it can be helpful to improve the ability to handle these challenges and lead them to enjoy life more.
The first step in the treatment of depression should be a thorough examination to rule out physical illness that can cause depressive symptoms. As certain medications can cause the same symptoms as depression, the doctor who is conducting the examination shall be informed of any medications used. If no physical cause is found for depression, the physician should conduct a psychological evaluation or make a referral to a mental health professional.
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