Depression and mental health have started to become a topic of discussion in our life. People are becoming more aware of the topic. We are on the right track to destigmatizing mental health in our life. But, does depression affect some people more than others? Let’s find out.
Compared with men, female accounts for a larger proportion of patients with depression. Behavioral genetics researchers find gender differences in the genetic underpinnings of depression. We found that gender differences exist in heritability and the gene associated with depression after reviewing relevant research. Both genes and gene-environment interactions contribute to the risk of depression in a gender-specific manner.
Depression is roughly twice as common in women as it is in males. Depression can strike anyone at any age. Normal hormonal changes might cause mood swings and depressive moods. However, hormonal changes by themselves do not cause depression. An increased risk of depression is linked to other biological factors, genetic features, and personal life situations and experiences.
Research Studies
Depressive disorders have a sex ratio of above 1.7 for lifetime prevalence and 1.4 for 12-month prevalence after the age of 18 in much national and international research (Kuehner, 2017). The gender discrepancy in depression rates emerges in adolescence and persists into old age (Angold and Worthman, 1993), however, the adult gender gap is smaller than at younger ages (Patten et al., 2016; Kiely et al., 2019).
Although there is significant cross-national variation, similar gender inequalities exist in different income countries (Van de Velde et al., 2010). Gender differences, however, do not present in all races and ethnic groupings (Kessler, 2003; Yancu, 2011).
Depressive illnesses are more common in women, but there appears to be no gender difference in recurrence, remission, or chronicity of depression (Kessler, 2003; Otte et al., 2016). Men and women with depression have varied symptom profiles. Increased hunger, hypersomnia, somatic complaints, and other symptoms are more common in women (Piepenburg et al., 2019). Particularly noteworthy is the association of peripartum depression with anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (Kuehner, 2017).
Why is Depression Prevalent in Women?
Depression is uncommon before puberty, and it affects both girls and boys at roughly the same rate. However, as a female approaches puberty, her risk of depression skyrockets, reaching twice that of boys.
Some specialists believe that changes in hormone levels that occur during a woman's life may contribute to her higher risk of depression. These changes can be seen during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as after birth or miscarriage.
Furthermore, hormone fluctuations associated with each month's menstrual cycle are likely to contribute to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe syndrome characterized by depression, anxiety, and mood swings that occurs in the week leading up to menstruation and interferes with daily life.
According to the National Institutes of Health, reproductive, genetic, or other biological variables, interpersonal interactions, and certain psychological and personality characteristics all raise the risk of depression in women. Women who juggle employment and raising children, as well as single mothers, are more stressed, which can lead to depression symptoms.
PMS and PMDD Related to Depression?
Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, affects up to three out of every four menstruating women and is characterized by mental and physical symptoms that vary in intensity from one menstrual cycle to the next. Typically, women in their 20s and 30s are afflicted.
PMDD, a severe type of PMS defined by emotional symptoms such as melancholy, anxiety, mood fluctuations, crankiness, and loss of interest in things, affects between 3% to 5% of menstrual women.
PMS and PMDD sufferers typically have symptoms 7 to 10 days before menstruation and then experience remarkable relief once their period begins.
These conditions have been recognized as significant sources of discomfort and behavioral change in women throughout the last decade. Though the exact link between PMS and PMDD is unknown.
Pregnancy and Depression
It takes a lot of effort to prepare for a new baby. However, your health should always come first. Resist the impulse to complete everything, reduce your responsibilities, and engage in activities that will help you relax. Furthermore, discussing issues that worry you is critical. Speak with your friends, partner, and family. When you ask for help, you will often receive it.
Consider going to counseling if you're depressed and nervous. Request a referral to a mental health professional from your doctor or midwife.
Written By- Kritika Sharma
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