December
2007
Depression in Men
Depression in Men: for some reason it seems women are the focus of depression and not men. True 8-10% of women have major depression vs. 3-5% of men. But for men, they are less likely to discuss it or have it treated. It is thought depression affects our country so much: $83 billion a year due to functional disability and mortality. Lifetime prevalence of depression is thought to be 17.9% in white and 10.4% in blacks. Peaks in the ages 30-39. Now this is for major depression and doesn’t include minor depression or dysthymia.
Depressed older men in particular who aren’t married are more likely to commit suicide than women (probably 4x higher). Depression is a strong risk factor for all-cause mortality, and probably plays a role in illness.
Major depression: 5 of 9 symptoms for 2 weeks for the majority of each day. 2 of the symptoms must include depressed mood or anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure). Change in sleep (sleep more or less), loss of energy, change in weight or appetite, change in psychomotor activity (usually less agile and less physically active). Poor concentration, suicidal thoughts or thinking about death, poor self esteem (feeling worthless or guilty)
Minor depression and dysthymic disorder have symptoms described in major depression but don’t fully meet criteria.
What is depressed mood? Some people say it is a feeling of sadness. Others just feel “blah”. Irritability and short-temper can be a sign of depressed mood. With anhedonia, a person doesn’t want to go out and do the things normally enjoyed. It just isn’t as fun or meaningful.
Early morning awakening can occur with depression, so about 4 hours after falling asleep, they are up for the rest of the night. If there is anxiety, falling asleep can take a long time. Some people “hibernate” and will sleep all day.
Anorexia can occur or the opposite: eating too much.
Bipolar disorder needs to be ruled out because treatment is different. Also other psychiatric and medical conditions need to be checked because they can affects a person’s mood.
Treatment: talk to your doctor. Psychotherapy and antidepressants are very effective.
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drjohnhong 
Men issues, Psych 
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