In most research studies on depression, women demonstrate double the rates of depression as men. Despite this proven vulnerability, "many women never seek treatment for mood disorders, are misdiagnosed, or are unaware of their risks," says Deborah Sichel, M.D., an instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
An expert on women's emotional disorders, Dr. Sichel is the co-author of "Women's Moods," (William Morrow, $25). "Many of our patients will describe symptoms of depression that clearly began as adolescents," says Dr. Sichel, "but no one recognized that what they were experiencing was depression."
All stress, but especially prolonged stress, alters brain tissues and functions, elevating stress hormones that damage brain tissue. This renders us less capable of handling stress, a cycle which can lead to mental exhaustion and depression.
According to Dr. Sichel, "With the increased stress of our lives and considering what women contend with now, many as single parents, it is possible that we are seeing even more depression than the studies measure." Other potential causes of depression or anxiety, especially in midlife, are women's hormones, which can have a profound effect on the brain and mood.
"Many women who complain of premenstrual symptoms may in fact have depression," says Dr. Sichel. "It is important that these hormonal issues are taken into account when treating depression in women."
To find out if you have a mood disorder, ask your primary care physician for a referral to a psychiatrist. Before you see the psychiatrist, write down a complete description of your symptoms and include dates of first onset and recurrence.
If you don't have a primary care physician, call your county hospital or local hospital to find out if they have mental health outpatient clinics. You may find that you can be evaluated at a hospital mental health clinic or a women's health clinic.
