Posted on December 31, 2007 in Latest News
Major depression and dysthymia affect twice as many women as men. Men and women have about the same rate of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), though its course in women typically has more depressive and fewer manic episodes. Also, a greater number of women have the rapid cycling form of bipolar disorder, which may be more resistant to standard treatments.
Why women are more prone?
There are a variety of explanations which for women being more prone to depression than men.
Hormones: Hormonal regulation largely affects the rate of depression in women. Estrogen depletion, also known as menopausal symptoms, illustrates increased depressive rates and vasomotor instability (hot flashes). The increase in depression rates can also be attributed to, women feeling less womanly. These thoughts can occur at menopausal stages because women become infertile and feel they have aged and are elderly.
Anxiety disorders: Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social phobia, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and specific phobia, have been largely and functionally linked to depressive thoughts that affect women and adolescent girls. Statistics prove that girls develop anxiety disorders earlier and at a faster rate than boys, such that by age 6, twice as many girls have experienced an anxiety disorder. A potential reason for the susceptibility of depression in girls and women is that they are at a much higher risk for the potential to be raped or sexually assaulted in our society.
Personal problems: Significant loss, a difficult relationship, financial problems, or a major change in life pattern have all been cited as contributors to depressive illness.
Other psychological and social factors: Persons with certain characteristics—pessimistic thinking, low self-esteem—are more likely to develop depression. Upbringing or sex role expectations may contribute to the development of these traits. It appears that negative thinking patterns typically develop in childhood or adolescence. Some experts have suggested that the traditional upbringing of girls might foster these traits and may be a factor in women’s higher rate of depression.
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November 13th, 2008 at 11:00 am
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November 24th, 2008 at 10:32 am
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