Differences Between Depression in Men and Women

Many studies indicate that women experience up to twice the rate of depression as men do. Some experts have theorized that women have higher depression rates because they are more likely to report subclinical symptoms of depression. Many assessments and depression scores do not differentiate between clinical and subclinical depression. Read on to learn more about the differences between depression in men and women and how Lucida Treatment Center and our depression treatment center can help you treat it.

Women and men experience symptoms of depression in different ways. Researchers have confirmed that depression affects twice as many females as males, although the study revealed gender differences emerge as early as age 12 years old. The research also found that gender differences lessen slightly after adolescence. However, women continue to experience nearly double the rate of depression as men.

Depression in Men and Women

Biological reasons may partially explain the much higher rate of depression in women. Hormones and genes are disrupted when brain regions are developing in the male and female fetus. The biological changes during fetal development lay the groundwork for a vulnerability to mood disorders (e.g. depression). Numerous studies have found that a major life event triggers episodes of depression. Additionally, interactions among stress hormones, female reproductive hormones, and mood-regulating neurotransmitters may trigger more depressive episodes in women in reaction to stressful life events.

Key Gender Differences

Depressed women tend to dwell on and rehash negative feelings more than depressed men do. These behaviors can manifest as negative self-talk, crying without an obvious reason, and self-blame. All of these symptoms can reinforce feelings of depression. Women also experience eating disorders more often than men, as well as co-morbid depression. They also experience higher rates of co-occurring depression and anxiety disorders. If you are looking for an eating disorder treatment center or an anxiety disorder treatment center in Lantana, FL, contact Lucida Treatment Center to learn about what we offer.

Depressed men abuse alcohol and drugs and their symptoms manifest as anger or irritability more often than women. Men also try to mask sadness by working or playing sports excessively or by engaging in risky behaviors. These behaviors can include gambling, smoking, unsafe sex, or driving recklessly.

Evidence suggests that postpartum depression can be part of a continuum. The start of the illness occurs during pregnancy. While the rates of postpartum depression are higher in women and more recognized clinically, this type of depression impacts both mothers and fathers. A large study showed that many factors could increase the probability of postpartum depression after birth for both genders. These factors include:

• Low marital satisfaction
• A partner’s depression
• Depression during pregnancy

Additionally, postpartum depression is not connected to a history of depression. The risk of depression increased in response to negative life events, but only in women.

Depression Treatment

Comorbid depression and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is more common in men but presents considerable challenges for both genders. Co-occurring depression and AUD are associated with an earlier onset of alcohol dependence, higher rates of lifetime drug dependence, higher relapse rates, a greater risk of suicide attempts, and completed suicides. Gender-specific treatment addresses the different ways that men and women cope with depression and reflects gender-based variances in co-occurring disorders. At Lucida Treatment Center, we offer a co-occurring disorder treatment program to treat addiction and mental health disorders at the same time.

How Lucida Treatment Center Can Help

Clients benefit from individualized depression treatment without the potential distractions of talking about deep-seated, difficult issues in front of the opposite sex. If you suffer from depression and would like to try a women’s addiction rehab center or a men’s addiction treatment center, contact Lucida Treatment at 1.866.947.7299. We provide a variety of different programs and services to help you cope with depression and overcome substance use disorders. We do this through an individual therapy program, a group therapy program, and more. Contact us if you are suffering from depression and would like to learn to cope with this illness.