DANGEROUS COMPLICATIONS OF DEPRESSION IN MEN THAN WOMEN: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Background and Aim : About 10% to 17% of men will develop major depression at some point in their lives. Although men are less likely than women to develop depression, it remains a significant mental health problem for them. Depression may be more deadly for men than for women. This Review discusses the literature on men depression that may cause dangerous complications in men.Methods : We conducted a literature search using the Medline, PsycInfo, PubMed, and Web of Science databases included depression in men. We identified 20 relevant in the last 10 years.Results : Depression is a key risk factor for suicide, and four times as many men compared with women die from suicide. One reason may be men s reluctance to convey their feelings and seek help when they are in despair. It is unclear what underlies this gender difference. Depression is a well-known risk factor for coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. But often the symptoms of depression are different in men than in women — partly because of cultural pressures for members of each gender to behave in certain ways — a factor that may contribute to missed diagnoses. Other research has found that because of cultural pressure to act manly, men may feel that it is weak to show despair or self-doubt. As a result, symptoms of depression may masquerade as anger or irritability. Research by the National Institute of Mental Health revealed that many men were not aware that physical problems such as headaches, stomach problems, and chronic pain might be symptoms of depression.Conclusion : Men are especially vulnerable. Given the toll depression takes on men, it s important that those who need help receive it. These findings underscore the need for early identification, active screening, and depression treatment for men to improve emotional well-being, promote recovery, and enhance quality of life.

Keywords:

Depression , Men , Complications