The fact that women suffer from depression twice as much as men is well known. Depression occurs in approximately 20% of women over the course of a lifetime, as opposed to men. Although the diagnosis of depression is the same for men and women, women tend to experience more guilt, anxiety, increased appetite and sleep, weight gain and various eating disorders. Women experience depression twice as often as men. The diagnostic criteria for depression are the same for both sexes, but women with depression more frequently experience guilt, anxiety, increased appetite and sleep, weight gain and eating disorders. Over the course of a lifetime, depression occurs in approximately 20 percent of women compared to10 percent of men. This could be because of several reasons including gender-related differences, and biological factors. Other factors include a family history of depression, loss of a parent in early childhood, use of oral contraceptive and a childhood history of sexual abuse. With depression comes the risk of suicide. Women under 30 who are depressed have the greatest risk for suicide attempts. They often attempt suicide because of loss of an intimate relationship, they live alone, they abuse drugs and/or alcohol or they suffer from severe anxiety or panic attacks. Since lethal doses of medications are the leading cause of suicide among women, any depressed patient should be closely monitored if prescribed an antidepressant in order to prevent overdosing. Common treatments for depressed women include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy to help eliminate negative thoughts and marriage counseling to help with conflicts. Often times, psychotherapy is used in combination with antidepressant medication. |
