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Gender Differences in Depression

Gender Differences in Depression. 2:1 ratio (female to male) for both mild & severe Consistent across cultures, ages Starts at puberty or just after w/ increases in girls’ rates while boys’ stay stable Hormonal changes probably not reason

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Gender Differences in Depression

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  1. Gender Differences in Depression • 2:1 ratio (female to male) for both mild & severe • Consistent across cultures, ages • Starts at puberty or just after w/ increases in girls’ rates while boys’ stay stable • Hormonal changes probably not reason • Physical changes at puberty less valued by girls (fat), esp. white girls

  2. Biological Theories of Depression • Hormonal • Neurotransmitter dysregulation - monoamines, norepinephrine, serotonin • Earlier thought high levels of monoamine, low of norepinephrine, serotonin • Now thought to be abnormalities in no. & function of receptors

  3. Behavioral Theories of Depression • Stress results in reduced positive reinforcers, esp. in those w/ poor social skills (Lewinsohn) • Learned helplessness (Seligman) - lack of control

  4. Cognitive Theories • Negative cognitive triad (self, world, future) maintained by distorted thinking • Reformulated learned helplessness model (internal-stable-global) • Ruminative response styles cause & prolong D

  5. Why the Gender Difference? • More negative events/less positive reinforcement? • Related finding is higher rates of D in poor (poverty, discrimination, unemployment)? • Lack of control? • Or is it rumination? (vs. distraction) • Female role less active, assertive

  6. Other Prevalence Issues (in Depression) • Cohort effects - in people born before 1915, major D rate is 20%, 40% in those born after ‘55 • Reason? • Changing social values, distintegration of family • Or is it expectations? (or some of each)

  7. Behavior Therapy for Depression • Functional analysis - track symptoms, events, interactions, look for precipitators • Make changes • Alter the environment - pleasant events • Teach assertion • Use mood-mgmt. skills (e.g., relaxation)

  8. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression • Self-monitor mood, thoughts • Help challenge negative cognitions • Assist in recognizing & changing assumptions • Also focus on assertion

  9. Interpersonal Therapy • Face losses, stop idealizing lost persons • Let go of past relationships, invest in new ones • Negotiate interpersonal roles • Gains sense of mastery in new roles • Address social skill deficits

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