The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that major depressive disorders affect approximately 14.8 million American adults, and bipolar disorder affects another 5.7 million American adults, every year.
Women and Depression
NIMH estimates that approximately 25 percent of all adult women will experience at least one episode of severe depression in their lifetimes and at twice the rate of men. Women who are depressed attempt suicide twice as often as men who are depressed. Family history of depression, hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy, miscarriage, menopause), work/life stress, caregiver stress and serious medical illnesses (e.g. heart disease, cancer) are all factors that can increase a woman's chances to develop depression.
Men and Depression
NIMH estimates that about 6 million men develop depressive symptoms in a given year, and men successfully commit suicide four times more often than women. Men may be less likely to recognize the symptoms of depression and seek help.
Bipolar Disorder
BipolarSymptoms.org reports that approximately two-thirds of adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder have a family history of the disorder. Among adults with bipolar disorder, approximately 30 percent will attempt and 20 percent will complete suicide.
Men, Women and Bipolar Disorder
Men and women have similar risks for developing general bipolar disorder. However, women are three times more likely than men to develop the mixed symptom or rapid-cycling versions of the disorder. Additionally, women with bipolar disorder often experience more recurrence of unipolar depressive symptoms separate from what occurs during a bipolar episode.
Additional Diagnoses and Treatment Differences
Men will often discuss physical complaints like fatigue and sleep disturbance and not feelings of sadness or guilt, which are among the symptoms of depression. Additionally, men more than women report higher incidences of substance abuse and dependence, which in many cases can cover up symptoms of depression.
