David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Women Twice as Likely to Suffer Depression as Men
April 30, 2004
BOSTON, Apr 30, 2004 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Worldwide, almost twice as many women as men are dealing with depression, according to the May issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter. One out of eight women will have an episode of major depression at some time in her life. Women are also more vulnerable to bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and dysthymia (low-level, long-term depression).
The Harvard Mental Health Letter attributes women's increased susceptibility to these factors:
Genetics: Heredity accounts for up to 50% of the risk for depression. Researchers have identified several gene variants linked to depression that occur only in women, including one that is related to female hormone regulation.
Women acknowledge their symptoms: Men are more reluctant to admit the problem or reach out for help.
Stressed: Women are more likely to say they are under stress, according to a survey of over 30,000 people in 30 countries. Women, more than men, are subject to certain kinds of severe stress such as sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Premenstrual disturbance: Between 2% and 10% of women have
premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which results from high sensitivity to
changing hormone levels.
Pregnancy/postpartum: About 10%-15% of mothers become depressed during the first six months post birth, and an even higher percentage may be depressed during pregnancy.
April 30, 2004
BOSTON, Apr 30, 2004 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Worldwide, almost twice as many women as men are dealing with depression, according to the May issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter. One out of eight women will have an episode of major depression at some time in her life. Women are also more vulnerable to bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and dysthymia (low-level, long-term depression).
The Harvard Mental Health Letter attributes women's increased susceptibility to these factors:
Genetics: Heredity accounts for up to 50% of the risk for depression. Researchers have identified several gene variants linked to depression that occur only in women, including one that is related to female hormone regulation.
Women acknowledge their symptoms: Men are more reluctant to admit the problem or reach out for help.
Stressed: Women are more likely to say they are under stress, according to a survey of over 30,000 people in 30 countries. Women, more than men, are subject to certain kinds of severe stress such as sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Premenstrual disturbance: Between 2% and 10% of women have
premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which results from high sensitivity to
changing hormone levels.
Pregnancy/postpartum: About 10%-15% of mothers become depressed during the first six months post birth, and an even higher percentage may be depressed during pregnancy.
