Women Suffer from Depression Twice As Often As Men

Women are more susceptible to depression at certain ages in their life cycles, says Devendra Kurani, M.D., Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. Statistically, an increase in depression in women occurs in their early 20s. Another spike occurs during the perimenopausal period, usually in a woman s mid-40s. Until age 60, women suffer from clinical depression two to three times as much as men, both in the U.S. and in many societies around the world.

We do not know why women are more prone to depression than men, says Dr. Kurani. Research has focused on hormonal differences and the effects of childbearing. However the results have not explained the variation.

Symptoms of depression include sadness, spontaneous tearfulness, sleep disturbance, poor appetite, lack of interest, pessimism, and hopelessness about the future.

Depression in the 20s
Women who suffer from depression in the childbearing years may be experiencing postpartum depression, says Dr. Kurani. Although having a baby is a joyous time for most women, it is very common for mothers to feel sad, afraid, angry or anxious after childbirth. Approximately 10 percent of new mothers develop postpartum depression.

New mothers with postpartum depression have more intense feelings of sadness, anxiety or despair that disrupt their ability to function. Postpartum depression could result from a combination of hormonal and physical changes. Sometimes environmental factors, such as stress and lack of support from friends and family, worsen the situation. Dr. Kurani also lists the difficult balance of work and family as a potentially exacerbating factor.

It is very scary experience to lose one s self-esteem, says Dr. Kurani. It can affect the ability of the mother to bond with her infant.

Postpartum depression can be treated with medication and counseling. In addition, Dr. Kurani recommends that spouses take enough time away from work to help with the infant or with older siblings.

Spouses need to understand postpartum depression as an illness and not a function of any underlying weakness, relates Dr. Kurani. A person with an illness needs help.

Saint Barnabas Medical Center offers a free, open Postpartum Depression support group that meets weekly and is led by a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in prenatal and postpartum adjustment. The group meets every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Saint Barnabas Ambulatory Care Center (ACC), 200 South Orange Avenue in Livingston, across from the Livingston Mall. No registration is required.

Depression in the 40s
A woman’s odds of developing depression increase greatly during perimenopause, defined as the time period immediately prior to menopause. Women who experience depression during this stage of life may be affected by any number of issues, from hormonal changes, to a negative reaction to the approach of menopause, and even sadness as children grow and leave for college, emptying the nest.

A woman at this age is coming to terms with how her life will be different, says Dr. Kurani. There are milestones in having reached a certain age.

Earlier studies have shown that women who experienced menopause before 47 years of age (considered early) were two to three times more likely to have had depression compared to women who made a normal transition to menopause (around age 50). This period is also associated with gradual declines in estrogen levels and some studies suggest that changes in estrogen levels may be associated with onset of depression.

Depending on the severity of the condition, women can be treated with psychotherapy and medications. Dr. Kurani also relates that this cohort of women may be overworked by care-giving duties and can benefit from assistance.

It is not uncommon for women in midlife to have double caretaking responsibilities——still caring for their own children while also caring for elderly relatives, says Dr. Kurani. It is very important for women to have social support as well as help with housekeeping, care of children and elderly parents, meal preparation and other daily tasks.

For information about postpartum depression support at Saint Barnabas, please call 1-880-300-0628

For a referral to an attending Saint Barnabas Medical Center psychiatrist or psychologist, please call 1-888-SBHS-123.

Back to Newsletter Index