Provided by the National Institute of Mental Health
Depression is a serious but treatable medical
condition that can strike anyone regardless of age, ethnic background,
socioeconomic status, or gender. However, depression may go unrecognized by
those who have it, their families and friends, and even their physicians. Men,
in particular, may be unlikely to admit to depressive symptoms and seek help.
But depression in men is not uncommon: in the United States every year,
depressive illnesses affect an estimated seven percent of men (more than six
million men).
Depression comes in different forms, just as is the case with other illnesses
such as heart disease. The three main depressive disorders are: major depressive
disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness).
Not everyone with a depressive disorder experiences every symptom. The number
and severity of symptoms may vary among individuals and also over time.
Symptoms of depression include:
Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed,
including sex
Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Trouble sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight changes
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Restlessness, irritability
Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and
chronic pain, which do not respond to routine treatment
Research and clinical findings reveal that while both men and women can develop
the standard symptoms of depression, they often experience depression
differently and may have different ways of coping. Men may be more willing to
report fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in work or hobbies, and sleep
disturbances rather than feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and excessive
guilt.
Some researchers question whether the standard definition of depression and the
diagnostic tests based on it adequately capture the condition as it occurs in
men.
Men are more likely than women to report alcohol and drug abuse or dependence in
their lifetime; however, there is debate among researchers as to whether
substance use is a "symptom" of underlying depression in men, or a co-occurring
condition that more commonly develops in men. Nevertheless, substance abuse can
mask depression, making it harder to recognize depression as a separate illness
that needs treatment.
Instead of acknowledging their feelings, asking for help, or seeking appropriate
treatment, men may turn to alcohol or street drugs when they are depressed, or
become frustrated, discouraged, angry, irritable and, sometimes, violently
abusive. Some men may deal with depression by throwing themselves compulsively
into their work, attempting to hide their depression from themselves, family,
and friends; other men may respond to depression by engaging in reckless
behavior, taking risks, and putting themselves in harm's way. Four times as many
men as women die by suicide in the United States, even though women make more
suicide attempts during their lives. In light of research indicating that
suicide is often associated with depression, the alarming suicide rate among men
may reflect the fact that men are less likely to seek treatment for depression.
Many men with depression do not obtain adequate diagnosis and treatment, which
may be life saving.
More research is needed to understand all aspects of depression in men,
including how men respond to stress and feelings associated with depression, how
to make them more comfortable acknowledging these feelings and getting the help
they need, and how to train physicians to better recognize and treat depression
in men. Family members, friends, and employee assistance professionals in the
workplace also can play important roles in recognizing depressive symptoms in
men and helping them get treatment.
Seek Help for Depression
If you are having symptoms of depression or know someone who is, seek help.
There are several places in most communities where people with depressive
disorders can be diagnosed and treated. Help is available from family doctors,
mental health specialists in mental health clinics or private clinics, and from
other health professionals.
A variety of treatments, including medications and short-term psychotherapies
(i.e., "talking" therapies), have proven effective for depressive disorders:
more than 80 percent of people with a depressive illness improve with
appropriate treatment. Not only can treatment lessen the severity of depression,
but it may also reduce the duration of the episode and may help prevent
additional bouts of depression.
NIH Publication No. 03-5297
Printed March 2003
Department of Health & Human Services
National Institutes of Health
National Institute of Mental Health
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