Being sad is a normal and human reaction to certain factors in life. This emotion is something nearly all of us go through, and what many of us don't know is that sadness is completely different than depression. Depression is a serious medical condition that alters the way an individual feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. It is not something an individual can snap out of or try and be happier, and usually requires treatment and medication.
Unfortunately, depression has been found to impact women more than men because of social, biological and hormonal differences between the two genders. Specifically, life events like pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause and menstrual cycles may all trigger depressive onset.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) particularly impacts women twice as likely as men and four times as likely to have recurring episodes. Women are also subjected to anxiety and atypical presentation of depression, with hypersomnia and weight gain.
A recent study has show that through observing brain autopsies from 50 MDD patients and 50 control patients differences in gene expressions. Within the eight brain regions, researchers found that very few genes similar in both men and women. The remaining genetic changes indicated that men had increased inflammation in their brain regions, and were protected because of testosterone. This study helps treat patients on a more personal level which will certainly help with the overall care.
With these recent strides in care, it is important to help your loved ones find the right physician for them. If you or someone in your life is depressed, lend a compassionate ear. Ask them how you can be there to help them and learn about the resources and treatments available for them.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006322318300659
Meghana Pisupati
IHS 2018
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