Men and women differ significantly when it comes to depression. Although depression is a common and treatable mental health condition, there is still a social stigma attached to it. Individuals with depression may fear being viewed as weak or emotionally unstable. They may keep their diagnosis a secret from family and friends or even deny it to themselves. Unfortunately, the physical symptoms of depression cannot be ignored and eventually require some form of intervention.
Prevalence
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), depression is two to three times more common in women than men. The prevalence of depression in women has varied from 5 to 9 percent as opposed to 2 to 3 percent of men. In the March 1, 2001, issue of "Psychiatric Times," Dr. James Y. Nazroo attributes this difference to gender differences in roles. Nazroo explains that women are more at risk to become depressed in response to crises concerning children, housing and reproduction.
Age of Onset
Depression can develop in anyone, at any time, for many reasons. However, it is more common among individuals of a certain age group. According to psychologist and author Bob Murray, research has demonstrated that the peak age for depression differs between males and females. Men seem to be particularly prone to depression between the ages of 40 and 59, whereas the peak age for women is from adolescence through their 20s.
Physical Symptoms
Fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep disturbances are common physical symptoms reported by sufferers of depression. However, these somatic complaints are not reported evenly by males and females who suffer from depression. According to the results of a study published in the March 1999 issue of "The American Journal of Psychiatry," females exhibited significantly more somatic depression than males.
Coping
The responses to depression are very different between men and women. Women are more likely to discuss their feelings, seek help from a mental health professional and cope with their symptoms in a healthy manner. However, men are much more resistant to intimate discussions about their feelings and asking for help. They also tend to exhibit negative behaviors as a result of their depression such as violence, rage, substance abuse and sexual irresponsibility.
Prognosis
Since women are more likely than men to seek help for their depression, they have a better prognosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, men are more likely to deny their condition and resist treatment because of the attached social stigma. Specifically, men are expected to be emotionally stronger than women and self-sufficient; therefore, admitting to having a mental condition and agreeing to get help may threaten a man's masculinity. As a result, their depression may go undiagnosed or untreated.
