Depression: Depression in Women

Women are twice as likely to develop depression than men. In fact, from 10% to 25% of women will experience an episode of major depression at some time in their lives.

Why is Depression More Common in Women?

Rates of depression are similar in girls and boys before adolescence. However, with the onset of puberty, a female's risk of developing depression increases dramatically, to twice that of males. Experts believe that women may be more prone to depression because of changes in hormone levels that occur throughout a woman's life such as during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, as well as after giving birth, having a hysterectomy, or experiencing a miscarriage. In addition, the hormone fluctuations that occur with each month's menstrual cycle increase the risk for premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD.

According to the National Institutes of Health, several other factors that are unique to women may contribute to their higher rates of depression. These include reproductive, genetic or other biological factors, interpersonal factors, and certain psychological and personality characteristics.

In addition, for women trying to balance a home and a career, stresses continue to pile up.

What Factors Place a Woman at Higher Risk For Depression?

• Loss of a parent before age 10
• Physical or sexual abuse as a child.
• History of mood disorders in early reproductive years.
• Family history of mood disorders.
• Use of certain oral contraceptives.
• Use of certain infertility treatments.
• Ongoing psychological and social stress (e.g., loss of job, relationship stress, separation or divorce).
• Loss of social support system or the threat of such a loss

How Does Depression Differ in Women and Men?

There are several ways:

• Depression in women may occur earlier, last longer, be more likely to recur, be more likely to be associated with stressful life events, and be more sensitive to seasonal changes.
• Women are more likely to experience guilty feelings and attempt suicide, although they are successful less often than men.
• Depression in women is more likely to be associated with anxiety disorders, especially panic and phobic symptoms, and eating disorders.
• Depressed women are less likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs.

Premenstrual Syndrome, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and Depression

Up to 75% of menstruating women experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a disorder characterized by emotional and physical symptoms that fluctuate in intensity from one menstrual cycle to the next. Women in their 20's or 30's are usually who are affected.

About 3%-5% of menstruating women experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, a severe form of PMS, marked by highly emotional and physical symptoms that usually become more severe seven to 10 days before the onset of menstruation.

In the last decade, these fluctuations in hormone levels have become recognized as important causes of discomfort and behavioral change in women. While the precise link between PMS, PMDD and depression is still unknown, chemical changes in the brain and fluctuating hormone levels are both thought to be contributing factors.