Women's experience of depression varies with age

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Younger women rely on friends and family to help them get over depression, while older women use medication.
A new research program called Ages and Stages aims to guide women through various life stages and situations where depression may become an issue. As part of this, a survey of over 1,200 women carried out by researchers at University of California, Los Angeles, shows how women's view and experience of depression both vary with age.

Women in their 20s think they can just 'get over' depression with the aid of friends and family. However, this is the time when the first episode of major depression is most likely - maybe after childbirth or a failed relationship. In a woman's 40s and 50s, depression may be assumed to be part of menopause and consequently the condition may go unrecognized. But children leaving home, divorce and aging parents may be truer triggers of depression than menopause itself.

Older women - in their sixties - tend to keep depression to themselves. In this survey, fewer than one in five confided in others. If they are dealing with the loss of a spouse, this can intensify their feeling of isolation. The take-home message of the survey is that younger women should realise that depression is a real illness that may need medical treatment. The older woman should recognize the importance of social support, as well as medication, in treating depression.

Source
http://www.SupportPartnersProgram.com 18th April 2006

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