Depression in Men

It is estimated that for every six people, one will be clinically diagnosed with depression. In real terms the figures for depression are likely to be much higher and a good proportion of those left undiagnosed will be men.

Depression has previously, if wrongly, been thought of as a problem mostly affecting women (and something to do with hormones). In fact rates of depression between males and females are roughly similar during childhood and differences begin to emerge more strongly during adolescence and into adulthood. Whilst it may be tempting to identify puberty as the reason for the gender differences in depression, significant hormonal fluctuations in women are actually quite brief and clearly associated with an event, such as depression following childbirth.

When it comes to emotional expression, men and women differ considerably. It is not that men are incapable of the same range of emotions as women so much as the kinds of emotions men express are socialised from a very early age. The male stereotype is very often rooted in issues of power and control. It follows that the more negative emotions associated with these are anger, pride, jealousy and aggression. Emotional expression of say, sadness, grief and depression are considered female qualities and therefore not something a real man needs to deal with. Very often the men who are most strongly socialized into the male stereotype find the greatest difficulty in acknowledging, articulating or coping with depression.

Depression in men is slowly becoming more recognized, but is often difficult to spot the symptoms even by long-term partners or health professionals. Men exhibit depression differently and the way they cope can often camouflage their state of mind. So, whilst there is no strong evidence for a different type of depression in men, some symptoms of depression are much more marked. In particular irritability, anger, loss of control, risk-taking and aggression. Other gender differences in depression are:

• On average, the onset of depression is often later in men.
• Men have less chance of recurrent depression.
• Men seem to experience shorter bouts of depression and are less likely to suffer from chronic depression.

The onset, course and nature of depression in men may also differ in terms of whether they are adolescent, middle-aged or elderly and the life circumstances that affect them at various ages.

Depression is a significant risk factor for suicide and whilst women attempt suicide more often, men are more successful at their first attempt. Men in the age range of 16-24 and 39-54 appear most likely to commit suicide but the reasons why are not really understood. Depression is also a risk factor for heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

What Places Men at Risk of Depression

The precise cause of depression is not really known but current thinking points towards a likely combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. For men, the most commonly reported risk factors relate to: