Older Women More Likely Than Older Men to Remain
Depressed
Researchers have been unable learn why the
difference in sexes
Feb. 4, 208 Older women are more likely than
older men to get depressed, and more likely to stay depressed. But,
elderly women are less likely than men to die while depressed, according
to a report in the February issue of Archives of General Psychiatry,
one of the JAMA/Archives journals. There is, however, no
explanation for the difference between sexes.
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Previous research seems to have established that
major depression affects only about one to two percent of senior
citizens that are not living in institutions. But, up to as many as 20%
experience symptoms of depression. It is senior women that are more
likely to suffer these affects than men, but research has not learned
why.
The challenge was taken by Lisa C. Barry, Ph.D.,
M.P.H., of Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., and
colleagues, who evaluated a group of 754 individuals age 70 and older
(average age 78.4) beginning in 1998.
At the beginning of the study and at follow-up
assessments conducted every 18 months, participants were asked to
provide demographic information, take cognitive tests and report any
medical conditions. They also were screened for symptoms of depression -
such as lack of appetite, feeling sad or sleep problems - during the
previous week.
Over the course of the study, 269 (35.7 percent) of
the participants were depressed at some point. Of those,
● 48 (17.8 percent) remained depressed during two consecutive time
periods,
● 30 (11.2 percent) at three time points,
● 17 (6.3 percent) at four points and
● 12 (4.5 percent) at all five.
More women than men were depressed at each 18-month
follow-up and women were more likely than men to experience depression
at subsequent time points.
"Adjusting for other demographic characteristics,
women had a higher likelihood of transitioning from non-depressed to
depressed and a lower likelihood of transitioning from depressed to
non-depressed or death," the authors write.
The findings were consistent over the four time
intervals, providing strong evidence that depression is more persistent
in older women than older men, the authors note.
This is surprising, because women are more likely
to receive medications or other treatment for depression.
"Whether women are treated less aggressively than
men for late-life depression or are less likely to respond to
conventional treatment is not known but should be the focus of future
research," the authors write.
"In addition, nearly 40 percent of the depressed
participants in this study were depressed during at least two
consecutive time points, highlighting the need to initiate and
potentially maintain antidepressant treatment after resolution of the
initial depressive episode.
Editor's Note: This study was supported by
grants from the National Institute on Aging. The study was conducted at
the Yale Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center.
Links to more on
depression
Women are at Greater
Risk for Depression than Men
By National
Institute for Mental Health
Major depression and
dysthymia affect twice as many women as men. This two-to-one ratio
exists regardless of racial and ethnic background or economic status.
The same ratio has been reported in ten other countries all over the
world. 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.
A variety of factors
unique to women's lives are suspected to play a role in developing
depression. Research is focused on understanding these, including:
reproductive, hormonal, genetic or other biological factors; abuse and
oppression; interpersonal factors; and certain psychological and
personality characteristics. And yet, the specific causes of depression
in women remain unclear; many women exposed to these factors do not
develop depression. What is clear is that regardless of the contributing
factors, depression is a highly treatable illness.
Read more
Is Depression in Men
Different than in Women?
Every year, depression
afflicts more that 11 million Americans, but men account for only 1 in
10 diagnosed cases. Because of this, depression was once considered a
"womans disease," linked to hormones and premenstrual syndrome. The
lingering stereotype of depression being a female condition may prevent
some men from recognizing its symptoms and seeking appropriate
treatment.
Read more at Cleveland Clinic
Depression in Men
By National
Institute of Mental Health
Depression is a serious
but treatable medical condition a brain disease that can strike
anyone, including men. In America alone, more than 6 million men have
depression each year.
Whether you're a
company executive, a construction worker, a writer, a police officer, or
a student; whether you are rich or poor; surrounded by loved ones or
alone; you are not immune to depression. Some factors, however, such as
family history, undue stress, the loss of a loved one, or serious
illnesses can make you more vulnerable.
If left untreated,
depression can lead to personal, family, and financial difficulties.
With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, however, most people recover.
The darkness disappears, hope for the future returns, and energy and
interest in life becomes stronger than ever.
Read more >>
