The Role of Gender in Mental Health

Over the course of one’s life, women are twice as likely as men to develop depression. Women also are significantly more likely to seek mental health treatment than men. Indeed, many researchers suggest that depression is underreported in men, which may play a role in this disparity between genders. Certain chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis are also more prevalent in women and have been directly linked to an increased risk of developing depression. Additionally, men and women tend to report different symptoms; women frequently report bodily symptoms such as fatigue, appetite changes and problems with sleep, while men are more likely to experience problems at work. Research also suggests that women tend to respond better than men to serotonin reuptake inhibitors — a common form of medication used to treat depression.