Complain about a product or service

Depression Bigger Problem For Men Than Women

October 31, 2006

Depression • Study Probes Link Between Antidepressants, Birth Defects • Antidepressant Use Increasing In The United States • Children May Be Impacted By Parents' Anxiety Disorder • Higher Rx Costs May Limit Seniors’ Access to Antidepressants • Dual Approach Best for Depressed Teens • Depression Not a Normal Part of Aging • Study: Few Risks from Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy • Panel Finds Omega 3 Little Help Against Depression • Antidepressants Similar in Effectiveness, But Side Effects Differ • Antidepressants: Crutch or Catalyst? • Drugs Not Always a Cure for Depression Dr. Henry Fishman: • Don't Give Up On Depression • Exercise and Depression • The Winter Blues --- • First-Time Mothers at Increased Risk for Depression • Holidays May Bring Out Depression In Seniors • Depression Bigger Problem For Men Than Women • FDA Approves the First Drug for Seasonal Depression • Acne Drug's Possible Depression Link Under Review • Treating Depression May Mean Trying Different Drugs • Study Suggests Antidepressant-Suicide Link • FDA OKs Patch For Depression • Feeling the Holiday Blues? You Must Have Children • Gene May Trigger Depression, Study Finds • Exercise and Depression • Former Prozac Users Slam FDA • Consumer Drug Ads May Influence Doctors' Rx Decisions

Depression is sometimes called the common cold of mental health, but it's unlike the common cold in at least two important respects: It doesn't go away in a week without treatment and it doesn't affect men and women equally or in the same ways.

Though depression seems to affect more women than men, it presents special problems for men, reports the November issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter.

In the United States, about half as many men as women are diagnosed as being seriously depressed at some time in their lives. But this relatively low rate could be an illusion, researchers say.

Men often don't like to admit that they are depressed, so they are more likely to withdraw into silent misery or hide depression under anger, irritability, alcoholism or drug abuse.

According to doctors, depression can be an even more serious matter for men than for women. To begin with, it is a key risk factor for suicide and men commit suicide four times more often than women do.

Another mortal concern for men with depression is cardiovascular disease. Depression affects blood pressure, blood clotting and the immune system. It's a well-known risk factor for heart disease, heart attacks and stroke.

Men are especially vulnerable because they develop these diseases at a higher rate and at an earlier age than women.

"The most important thing others can do for a man who shows signs of depression is to help him contact a physician or mental health professional," says Michael Miller, editor in chief of the Harvard Mental Health Letter. "If necessary, accompany him to treatment and encourage him to continue until his symptoms improve."

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Share		Follow us on Twitter.