Monday 17 December 2012

Depression and Women


Do winters make you blue? Have you been feeling sad and down lately?

Depression is more common than you might think. Read one if you want to find out more about the D word!

Depression is a serious and pervasive mood disorder. Women have higher rate of depression than men. In Canada female-to-male ratio average of depression is 2:1. Some research found out that two-thirds of these patients do not get the help they need.

Symptoms of depression can be feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Depression can be mild and moderate with symptoms such as little appetite, difficulty in sleeping, or sleeping too much, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, excessive crying, and low self-esteem. Or it can be very severe.

Why is depression more common in women?

Some studies show that before adolescence the ratio of depression is same in girls and boys. However when puberty hits, girl’s risk to be depressed is double compared to boys. Scientists believe that this is due to changes in hormone levels that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause as well as after having a baby or experiencing a miscarriage.

Another factor is the hormone fluctuation that occurs with each month’s menstrual cycle that could contribute to the premenstrual syndrome or PMS that interfere with normal functioning of daily life.

How is depression in women treated?

Depression can be treated with various methods such as medication (antidepressant) and psychotherapy. Also, family therapy can be useful if family stress adds depression.
Talk to your doctor if you think you might be suffering from depression.

Sources:

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