Gender differences in depression: A descriptive clinical study

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Subahani Shaik

Narayana Medical College and Hospital, India

: J Trauma Stress Disor

Abstract

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Gender differences in depression might be helpful in identifying risk factors and specific clinical characteristics, which might clarify etiopathogenesis and streamline management. The present study was conducted to assess gender differences in depression among a treatment seeking population. The present study was conducted in the department of psychiatry of a tertiary care centre in South India. Adult male and female patients with a current depressive episode as per ICD 10 DCR criteria were recruited by non-random sampling. Patients were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale (PSLES). The study group comprised 50 males and 50 females. About two-thirds of patients in both groups had an additional psychiatric diagnosis according to MINI, with panic disorder and substance use disorder being more common in men. The mean number of stressors recollected according to PSLES was similar in both genders, though differences were encountered in the types of stressors reported. Clinically relevant differences are encountered between males and females with depression, particularly in terms of co morbidity and reported stressors. Such differences can guide clinicians in planning appropriate treatment

Biography

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Email: oren2@pdx.edu