Why
Aren't Things Getting Better?
Understanding Depression In Women
Original Publication Outlook Spring 2001
What
Are The Risk Factors | What
Can Cause A Depressive Episode | Why
Do Women Have More Depressive Episodes
What
Are Some Of The Symptoms Of A Depressive Episode In Women
| What
Needs To Be Done If I Think I Am Depressed
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During the course of a typical lifetime, as many as one in five women may suffer a depressive episode (breast cancer strikes one in nine). This means that approximately twenty (20%) percent of women will suffer from some form of depression, compared to an estimated ten (10%) percent of men. This ratio holds true regardless of race, ethnic background or economic status.
Of the twenty percent of women that suffer from depression, only one-fifth of them seek professional assistance. Research indicates that approximately 12 million women suffer from a depressive episode during a typical year. With proper treatment, 80% of the symptoms can be alleviated.
Why women have more occurrences than men of depressive episodes is not completely understood; however, there are several factors that may be responsible for the difference.
According to research by the American Academy of Family Physicians, the diagnostic criteria for depression is the same for men and women. Women with depression reported experiencing more guilt, anxiety, increase sleep and appetite, weight gain and eating disorders.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), recognizes three primary types of depression that affect both men and women, they include:
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recognizes the following risk factors in women:
While these factors represent a potential risk, they are not a guarantee that a woman will have an episode of depression. Being aware of and understanding the risk factors for depression can help a woman to better recognize the condition and seek treatment more quickly.
The rate of depression in women seems to begin at the time of adolescence. It remains high from around age 18 to 44 years. Oddly, the condition seems to lessen from ages 45 to 65, yet becomes more common in women over age 65. Research continues to attempt to determine why this change in depression between these certain ages. It is important to note that women can suffer depression throughout life and should not ignore symptoms because of age.
What Can Cause A Depressive Episode?
Depression is believed to be caused by certain chemicals in the brain nerve cells that work slower than necessary. The slow down of these brain nerve cells is the result of some brain chemicals being too low.
NIMH reported in the Journal of Affective Disorders that women may suffer more from depression than men because of differences in the biochemistry and childhood socialization that may render women more prone to have episodes of depression. The original NIMH study found that only twenty-three (23) percent of the women who could benefit from treatment were receiving professional care.
Why Do Women Have More Depressive Episodes?
There are several potential factors that may be at the root of the higher number of depressive episodes in women. The following is a list of the most agreed upon factors.
Genetics. If a family member has a mood disorder, there is a greater likelihood that the female family member will have the same condition.
Hormonal Factors. Since there seems to be an increase in the potential for a depressive episode in adolescents after the onset of puberty, scientists believe that changes in the body's hormones have at least an influence on depressive episodes.
PMS & Menstruation. During a woman's monthly cycle, there are numerous changes which can cause a depressive like condition; however, usually these symptoms are light and do not require professional care unless they become severe.
Sexual or physical abuse. According to the American Psychiatric Association, at least thirty-seven (37) percent of women age 21 and younger have had a significant experience of sexual or physical abuse. This can be an overwhelming experience and has the possibility to trigger a depressive episode. Abuse can lead to low self-esteem, helplessness, social isolation and self-blame.
Post-Childbirth. There are several occurrences of depressive episodes after childbirth. Hormonal changes are again suspected; however, pregnant women have the lowest occurrence of depression of any group. (For more information on post-partum depression click here.)
Negative Life Events. Daily stressors, death of a loved one, divorce and unemployment all seem to have some role in triggering a depressive episode.
Self-Esteem. Women with a low self-esteem, or self-image seem to be more prone to bouts of depressive episodes. (For more information on self-esteem click here.)
What Are Some of the Symptoms of a Depressive Episode in Women?
Clinical depression occurs when a group of symptoms lasts for more than two (2) weeks. According to Dr. Martha Manning, Ph.D., the symptoms in women of depression can include:
In adolescent girls, the condition may have more subtle symptoms. Many adolescent girls are more reserved, whose symptoms may include problems with school or eating. Others may have a distorted view of her body, a general lack of satisfaction and a feeling of unhappiness with herself and life in general.
Elderly women may not have any behavioral disturbances or even admit that they are unhappy or depressed. Instead, the condition seems to have symptoms that include chronic pain, digestive problems and/or headaches.
Many times depression does not occur alone. Other behavioral or physical conditions occur in conjunction with the depressive state. These additional conditions can be a combination or depression and anxiety, eating disorders, migraines, heart disease or diabetes.
What Needs To Be Done If I Think I Am Depressed?
In a recent study by the National Mental Health Association, more than one half of all women believe that depression is a normal part of getting older. Of that same survey group, more than half of the total number of women used denial of the condition while forty-one (41) percent cited embarrassment or shame as a significant barrier to seeking treatment. This factor is disheartening because the results of proper treatment can recover significant portions of an individual's life.
Depression is a treatable condition. It is important that if you suspect that you or someone you love is suffering from depression, then please contact the CARELINE at (800) 662-1002, for a confidential evaluation and assessment. There are several treatment options available, from hospitalization to attending an education support group. For more information on Education Support Groups, please click here.
Recognizing The Signs & Symptoms of Depression
According to the American Psychiatric Association, professional help should be sought if you or someone you live has at least four or more of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, they include: