Depression in Men

Men are killing themselves in alarming number


Does depression in men really differ from depression in women? Why should we speak about male depression and woman depression separately? Do men suffer differently from depression?



There was a time when men proved to be suffered from depression was disqualified in the public eye. Today, a number of famous men have „gone public” with their depression story. It is remarkable that so little attention has been devoted to men’s suffering from depression...

Thus, we try to describe the essential aspects of male depression.

Two large-scale studies of mental disorders determined the base-rates of depression in the whole population. These studies indicate that depression in women is twice as frequent as depression in men. However, there are investigations that show approximately equal rates or even higher rates for men. But the characteristic and course of depression are remarkable similar between the sexes.

Do you find it especially interesting, don’t you? Who suffers more from depression? The majority of our visitors think that women are more prone to depression than men. Scientific data are rather inconsistent in respect of frequency but rather consistent in stating that men suffer in much the same ways as women. I would say, I’m surprised... What do you think about depression in men?

I’ve have recently sought out counseling and have been diagnosed as Bi Polar, I’m reading up on this to better understand what I’m going through, and to try to cope and hopefully I will get through this. I’m not very optimistic because I’ve been on every antidepressants from A-Z. So here I am at a cross road in my life. One road I know their is light at the end of the tunnel, but getting their can be so difficult. And then their is the road that is very tempting to take, I know the end result will be death, but I continue to feel that’s the only way to stop the pain. The mental, physical draining of my body to get through each day has become more and more of an effort, this seems to be the right choice to get me through my “Dark Days” as I like to call them.Anonymous from Blog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can we explain depression in men?

Is there any relevant biological explanation? There are no consistent findings to provide a biological explanation for male depression. Testosterone may play certain role but there is no evident relationship between levels of testosterone and depression. Even the biological background of depression, the serotonine theory, seems to be not really proven.

Psychological theories are rather confusing in this respect.

Social and cultural theories have provided useful insights into this field.


What are the typical signs of depression in men?

depression in menFirst of all, the essential symptoms of depression are the same in both sexes. However, men will hide his mental and emotional condition in conformity with cultural norms. Men might express their depressed mood atypically. Thus, the assessment of male depression cannot be merely based on conventional depression signs.

 

 

 

 

Special signs, which may indicate depression in men:

  • Increased irritability and impatience

  • Alcoholism

  • Drug abuse Interpersonal conflicts

  • Anger and aggressiveness

  • Self destruction

  • Self-defeating behaviour.

Men may respond differently to some depression tests like the Beck Depression Inventory.


How do men respond to antidepressant drugs?

According to certain studies the efficacy (or inefficiency?) of antidepressants are the same in both sexes. However, some sexually related side-effects, including decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, require special attention.

 

What type of psychotherapy may help in male depression?

Half as many men as women seek psychotherapy. It is sometimes more acceptable for a man to seek help for physical pain than psychological pain.

Physicians missed more than 95% of depression in men when depression was not self-reported.

Cognitive-behavioural, interpersonal and behavioural therapies all have demonstrated efficacy in male depression. Couples psychotherapy proved to be effective in treating depression of both partners, as well as decreasing alcohol and substance abuse and violence in male partners.

 

Should we fear for men?

Are men more vulnerable than women? What do you think?

Men complete suicide at least three and up to eight times more frequently than women, depending upon age. The vast majority of perpetrators of violence are men. More than 90% of homicide/suicide offenders are men.

Do men become alcoholic and women become depressed?

Men are more prone to be addictive. Male are playing more computergames, gambling and they are more likely to become fun of extreme sports.

Read more about:

Male Depression: Loss, Trauma and Grief

 

 

 


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What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

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Master  As a child I was very smart, singled out in class as the top student, singled out of friendship groups because I was a geek. I remember being beaten, broken ...

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