Gender differences in depression.

Depression is among the most prevalent and debilitating psychiatric disorders in the world. A striking feature of this disorder is that women are twice as likely to experience depression compared with men. Research indicates that genetic, biological and environmental factors contribute to the gender differences noted in depression. Women are more likely to suffer a greater number of and more severe stressful life events compared with men, although no gender difference has been found to explain the genetic vulnerability. As individuals with depression most frequently present to general practitioners, healthcare providers should consider screening for depression and using rigorous treatment strategies for depressed patients with comorbid medical illnesses.