Depression is more severe among females with autoimmune conditions

Abstract

Abstract Rationale We explore the relationship between severity of depression on participants with autoimmune conditions and its relationship with gender. Methods Participants from a non medical community educational program that finished the intervention and had an autoimmune condition were used in the study. Participants met once a week for 8 weeks for a 2-hour program, which educated them about healthy lifestyle habits like diet, exercise, control of thoughts, etc. Each patient took the Depression and Anxiety Assessment Test (DAAT registration TX 7-398-022) before and after the intervention. The questionnaire measured depression and asked about demographics, patient history and research consent. Results From n=5651 people that finished the intervention n=432 participants reported autoimmune disease and were used in the study, n=369 (85%) were female and n=64 (15%) were male. At baseline regarding depression severity, female participants n=116 (32%) reported severe depression, n=130 (35%) moderate, n=60 (16%) mild, and n=62 (17%) none. Male participants on the other hand reported n=63 (22%) severe depression, n=14 (29%) moderate, n=18 (30%) mild, and n=12 (19%) none. At the end of the program, females reported the depression reported in the group was n=22 (5.9%) severe depression, moderate n=94 (26%), mild n=61 (17%), and n=191 (52%) none. For males, end group depression distribution was n=4 (6.3%) severe depression, n=11 (17%) moderate, n=15 (24%) mild, and n=33 (52%) none. Conclusions More women with autoimmune disease seem to have more severe depression than men, but both genders improved at the end of the program. Further follow up is being planned.