Teen Depression Myth #8 by Kate McLaughlin
MYTH #8
I am often asked about gender in relation to serious mental illnesses.
Here are the facts:
~ Bipolar disorder strikes males and females evenly.
~ Schizophrenia affects males 1.4 times as often as it affects females, according to a 2005 report in Schizophrenia Bulletin.
~ Depression strikes women twice as often as men.
This destroys the long-held MYTH #8
…depression affects teenage boys and girls equally…
Some interesting supporting data:
Recent studies conducted by the University of Illinois and the University of South Carolina indicated that young women experience twice as many “personal stressors” than their male counterparts, and that they also react more strongly. These two factors lead to markedly more depression in females than in males. Researchers don’t know exactly why this is, but are looking at the obvious involvement of female hormones. Some even say that hormone manipulation / regulation may hold significant treatment promise. New research is on the horizon.
