Women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression than men. However, significant gender differences in prevalence, symptoms, and treatment also exist.
Understanding the sex-specific mechanisms of depression is essential, as this allows us to develop more effective treatments tailored to the specific needs of patients of different genders.
However, such mechanisms accounting for the gender differences in depression patients are currently not fully understood, but recent research suggests that hormones and neurotransmitters may play a role.
Male–Female Ratio for Depression Is 1:2
According to the World Mental Health Survey Initiative, as of 2011, the average lifetime depression estimates were 14.6 percent and 11.1 percent in 10 high-income and eight low- to middle-income countries, respectively. The same survey also found that the 12-month depression prevalence estimates were 5.5 percent and 5.9 percent in high-income and low- to middle-income countries, respectively….