Clinical features of depression in women compared with men

Abstract

Objective: to study the clinical features of depression in women compared with men. Patients and methods. 120 women aged 18-65 years with recurrent depressive disorder (RDD; ICI-10 F33) (a study group) and 67 men of the same age with RDD (a control group) were clinically examined using a specially designed schedule and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale. Results. The clinical picture and the course of RDD have gender differences. The earlier onset of the disease in women with a large number of depressive attacks and lower quality remissions is due to the relationship and mutual influence of menstrual and reproductive function and depression. Such typical symptoms of endogenous depression, as slow thinking, anhedony, decreased sleep duration and early morning awakenings, as well as diurnal swings of mood with its deterioration in the morning, were characteristic for most women and men. The pattern of depression in women is more commonly characterized by anxiety; ideas of self-accusation; suicidal thoughts; avoidance of contacts with others; weakness; fatigue; decreased or increased appetite; sleep onset insomnia; lack of sleep feeling. That in men is more often marked by symptoms, such as melancholy; motor retardation; decreased motivation; somatic symptoms of depression (tachycardia, constipation); comorbid panic attacks; and concomitant diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory and genitourinary systems. Men more frequently abuse alcohol and other psychoactive substances. Conclusion. The revealed features of depression in women and men will be able to more accurately diagnose and to prescribe adequate therapy.