Women and Depression - Depression is a common but serious illness, and most who
have it need treatment to get better. Depression affects both men and women,
but more women than men are likely to be diagnosed with depression in any given
year.1 Efforts to explain this difference are ongoing, as researchers explore
certain factors (biological, social, etc.) that are unique to women.
When a woman has a depressive disorder, it interferes with
daily life and normal functioning, and causes pain for both the woman with the
disorder and those who care about her. Many
women with a depressive illness never seek treatment. But the vast majority,
even those with the most severe depression, can get better with treatment.
What are the basic
symptoms of depression?
Women
with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. In addition,
the severity and frequency of symptoms, and how long they last, will vary
depending on the individual and her particular illness. Symptoms of depression
include:
- Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Irritability, restlessness, anxiety
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
- Insomnia, waking up during the night, or excessive sleeping
- Overeating, or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
What causes depression
in women?
Scientists
are examining many potential causes for and contributing factors to women’s
increased risk for depression. It is likely that genetic, biological, chemical,
hormonal, environmental, psychological, and social factors all intersect to
contribute to depression.
How does depression
affect older women?
As
with other age groups, more older women than older men experience depression,
but rates decrease among women after menopause.13 Evidence suggests that
depression in post-menopausal women generally occurs in women with prior
histories of depression. In any case, depression is NOT a normal part of aging.
The
death of a spouse or loved one, moving from work into retirement, or dealing
with a chronic illness can leave women and men alike feeling sad or distressed.
After a period of adjustment, many older women can regain their emotional
balance, but others do not and may develop depression. When older women do
suffer from depression, it may be overlooked because older adults may be less
willing to discuss feelings of sadness or grief, or they may have less obvious
symptoms of depression. As a result, their doctors may be less likely to
suspect or spot it.
For
older adults who experience depression for the first time later in life, other
factors, such as changes in the brain or body, may be at play. For example,
older adults may suffer from restricted blood flow, a condition called
ischemia. Over time, blood vessels become less flexible.
They
may harden and prevent blood from flowing normally to the body’s organs,
including the brain. If this occurs, an older adult with no family or personal
history of depression may develop what some doctors call "vascular
depression." Those with vascular depression also may be at risk for a
coexisting cardiovascular illness, such as heart disease or a stroke.
How is depression
diagnosed and treated?
Depressive
illnesses, even the most severe cases, are highly treatable disorders. As with
many illnesses, the earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is
and the greater the likelihood that a recurrence of the depression can be
prevented.
The
first step to getting appropriate treatment is to visit a doctor. Certain
medications, and some medical conditions such as viruses or a thyroid disorder,
can cause the same symptoms as depression. In addition, it is important to rule
out depression that is associated with another mental illness called bipolar
disorder.
A
doctor can rule out these possibilities by conducting a physical examination,
interview, and/or lab tests, depending on the medical condition. If a medical
condition and bipolar disorder can be ruled out, the physician should conduct a
psychological evaluation or refer the person to a mental health professional.
The
doctor or mental health professional will conduct a complete diagnostic
evaluation. He or she should get a complete history of symptoms, including when
they started, how long they have lasted, their severity, whether they have
occurred before, and if so, how they were treated. He or she should also ask if
there is a family history of depression. In addition, he or she should ask if
the person is using alcohol or drugs, and whether the person is thinking about
death or suicide.
Once
diagnosed, a person with depression can be treated with a number of methods.
The most common treatment methods are medication and psychotherapy.
adapted from: http://www.dean.edu/Another reference
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