Women's Depression

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Women are more likely to experience depression than man in most countries around the world. This is often attributed in large part, to the hormonal changes that occur for most women monthly, during and after pregnancy, and through menopause. Specifically in the west, women are subject to societal pressure about how to appropriately manage their anger, stress and emotions. Signs of depression in women are more likely to be exhibited through patterns of sleeping and eating more (which can result in weight gain) as well as excessive feelings of guilt.

One hypothesis (yet to be extensively studied or proven) is the x-linkage genetic explanation. If the gene for depression is located in the x chromosome and is dominant, then women, having 2 x chromosomes, would be at greater risk for the manifestation of depression symptoms.¹ Women are more likely to experience depression than man in most countries around the world. This is often attributed in large part, to the hormonal changes that occur for most women monthly, during and after pregnancy, and through menopause. Specifically in the west, women are subject to societal pressure about how to appropriately manage their anger, stress and emotions. Women's are more likely to exhibit patterns of sleeping and eating more (which can result in weight gain) as well as excessive feelings of guilt.

One hypothesis (yet to be extensively studied or proven) is the x-linkage genetic explanation. If the gene for depression is located in the x chromosome and is dominant, then women, having 2 x chromosomes, would be at greater risk for the manifestation of depression symptoms.¹

References:

1. Nazroo, J.R., & Edwards, A. (1998). Gender Differences in the Prevalence of Depression. Artifact, Alternative Disorders, biology or roles? Sociology of Health & Illness 20, 1-15.