Depression is a prevalent mental disorder that affects both the patient's mood and his ability to function. Multiple forms of depression exist, such as major depression and dysthymic disorder. Depression can also occur with another disorder, like bipolar disorder, where the patient has both mania and depression. These disorders can affect men and women of any age, though certain people are at higher risk.
Women and Depression
Women have a higher risk of developing a depressive disorder than men. The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) states that women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression, with one in eight women diagnosed with major depression. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) adds that depression is the leading cause of disability in women, though only 20 percent receive treatment. Two forms of depression occur only in women: postpartum depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Postpartum depression affects women after they have given birth and interferes with the mother's bonding with her baby. PMDD occurs the week before menstruation and is more debilitating than premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Men and Depression
Arthur Schoenstadt, MD, author of the eMedTV article "Depression in Men," states that 7 percent of men--some six million--in the United States, have a form of depression. Schoenstadt adds that male patients are less likely to admit they are feeling guilty or worthless but more likely to admit fatigue, sleep problems and irritability. Drug and alcohol abuse is also more prevalent in male depression patients. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) adds that suicide is also the seventh highest cause of death in men.
Adolescents and Depression
Children and teenagers are also at risk for depression. SAMHSA notes that 10 to 15 percent of children and adolescents are diagnosed with a form of depression. The NIMH adds that suicide is the third highest cause of death in 15 to 24 year olds. Adolescents may develop depression after disappointment at home or school, breaking up with a significant other or parental divorce. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that if an adolescent is taking an antidepressant, like a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), she has an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. When beginning a medication for depression treatment, adolescents should be monitored for any abnormal behaviors.
Elderly and Depression
The elderly population is at risk for depression due to social isolation stemming from living alone or the recent death of a loved one, physical disability, or chronic illness. Where the elderly person lives may increase his depression risk. For example, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that elderly persons in the general population have less than a 1 percent of depression occurrence, but that rate rises to 13.5 percent for persons with home health care and 11.5 percent for persons in the hospital. The Institute adds that in 2004, 16 percent of suicides were committed by persons ages 65 and older.
