Recognizing the Signs of Depression and Anxiety in Women

Introduction

Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health disorders worldwide, affecting millions of people every year. While these conditions can impact anyone, research has shown that women are particularly susceptible. The prevalence of major depression is higher in women than in men; in 2010 its global annual prevalence was 5.5% and 3.2%, respectively, representing a 1.7-fold greater incidence in women Biological, hormonal, and social factors all contribute to this increased vulnerability. Understanding the signs and symptoms specific to women is crucial for early identification and intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes. (Albert, P. R. 2015).            

 Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health disorders worldwide, affecting millions of people every year. While these conditions can impact anyone, research has shown that women are particularly susceptible. The prevalence of major depression is higher in women than in men; in 2010 its global annual prevalence was 5.5% and 3.2%, respectively, representing a 1.7-fold greater incidence in women Biological, hormonal, and social factors all contribute to this increased vulnerability. Understanding the signs and symptoms specific to women is crucial for early identification and intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes. (Albert, P. R. 2015).    

Understanding Depression and Anxiety

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. It can affect one's thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being. Depression is a major human blight. Globally, it is responsible for more ‘years lost’ to disability than any other condition. This is largely because so many people suffer from it some 350 million, according to the World Health Organization, and the fact that it lasts for many years. Yet depression is widely undiagnosed and untreated because of stigma, lack of effective therapies, and inadequate mental health resources. Almost half of the world’s population lives in a country with only two psychiatrists per 100,000 people. (Smith, K., & De Torres, I. 2014).

Anxiety disorders, on the other hand, are characterized by symptoms that include worry, social and performance fears, unexpected and/or triggered panic attacks, anticipatory anxiety, and avoidance behaviors. These disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, among others. Generalized anxiety disorder (6.2% lifetime prevalence), social anxiety disorder (13% lifetime prevalence), and panic disorder (5.2% lifetime prevalence) with or without agoraphobia are common anxiety disorders seen in primary care. Anxiety disorders are associated with physical symptoms, such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. (Szuhany, K. L., & Simon, N. M. 2022).

Biological and Hormonal Factors

Women's susceptibility to depression and anxiety can be partly attributed to biological and hormonal differences. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, can impact mood and emotional regulation. Studies suggest that estrogen may have a protective effect on the pathology that underlies depression and that decreases in estrogen may increase the risk for depression. (Albert, P. R. 2015).

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), PMDD causes extreme mood swings, irritability, and depression in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder encompass psychological and physical symptoms that cause significant impairment during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle but resolve shortly after menstruation. About 80% of women report at least one physical or psychiatric symptom during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle; however, most do not report significant impairment in their daily life. (Hofmeister, S., & Bodden, S. 2016).
• Postpartum Depression (PPD): Postpartum depression (PPD) is defined as the onset of major depressive disorder in mothers, occurring during pregnancy or within 4 weeks post-delivery. With 7% of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States owing to mental health conditions, including PPD, and a global prevalence of 12%, PPD is a growing public health concern following childbirth, women may experience PPD, characterized by severe mood swings, fatigue, and a sense of hopelessness (Ali, M., et al 2021). Specific sociodemographic and clinical risk factors for PPD were identified that could help physicians target depression case finding for pregnant women. (Katon, W., Russo, J., & Gavin, A. 2014).
• Menopausal Transition: The hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can lead to increased anxiety, irritability, and depressive symptoms. Several studies have reported that menopause symptoms are allied with stress, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and other somatic complaints. The state of depression is associated with feelings of lowered enthusiasm for one’s life, hopelessness, lacking interest, self-criticism, and inertia. (Aqeel, M., et al 2018)

About half of all women report unspecific anxiety, much like lasting premenstrual symptoms, during the menopausal transition. Additionally, it is a time of increased stress. Due to the close interaction of the reproductive- and the stress axes, stress can act as a precipitating or perpetuating factor for disorders like depression or insomnia. (Stute, P., & Lozza-Fiacco, S. 2022)

Schedule a free discovery call to explore how our program can help you manage menopause and support your mental health. During this call, our experts will discuss your menopause-related concerns, and goals, and how our personalized approach can assist you on your journey toward better mental wellness. Schedule your free consultation today and take charge of your mental health with our specialized program.

Social and Environmental Factors

Women often face unique social and environmental stressors that can contribute to the development of depression and anxiety:

• Gender Roles and Expectations: Societal pressures and expectations regarding women's roles as caregivers, professionals, and homemakers can lead to chronic stress and burnout. Notably, sex disparity in the prevalence of depression is commonly reported, with women nearly twice as likely to develop depression than men. (Lin, J., et al 2021)
• Work-Life Balance: Juggling career and family responsibilities can result in significant stress and feelings of inadequacy. Work-life balance (WLB), important for social well-being and institutional productivity, has been studied to be related to various mental health issues, including sleep disorders, anxiety, burnout, sickness absence, and substance abuse. (Lee, D. W., et al 2021)
• Social Support: While strong social networks can provide a buffer against mental health issues, a lack of support or strained relationships can exacerbate feelings of isolation and depression. Lack of social support is a known determinant of mental health problems (Alsubaie, M. M., et al 2019). Social support is hypothesized to protect mental health directly through the benefits of social relationships and indirectly as a buffer against stressful circumstances. Social support is a multidimensional concept that broadly refers to the emotional (e.g. encouraging), instrumental (e.g. helping with housekeeping), or informational (e.g. notifying someone of a job opportunity) assistance that is received from others. 

It may also be characterized by the provider of support, including support from a spouse, relatives, or friends, each thought to have independent protective effects against depression. (Gariepy, G., et al 2016)

Signs of Depression in Women

Women may experience feelings of worthlessness or guilt, have trouble concentrating, or face unexplained physical aches and pains. If these symptoms persist and interfere with daily life, it's important to seek professional help. It is important to educate yourself about these prominent signs of depression to better recognize them and seek professional help when needed. Early intervention can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being. Here are some key signs of depression in women:

1. Persistent Sadness and Irritability (Balbuena, L., et al 2016).
2. Loss of Interest or Pleasure (Basson, R., & Gilks, T. 2018).
3. Changes in Sleep Patterns (Steiger, A., & Pawlowski, M. 2019).
4. Changes in Appetite and Weight (Simmons, W. K., et al 2020)
5. Fatigue and Loss of Energy (Lee, C. H., & Giuliani, F. 2019).
6. Physical Aches and Pains (Lee, C. H., & Giuliani, F. 2019).

Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety in Women

Understanding the prominent signs of anxiety is crucial for early identification and seeking appropriate help. Addressing anxiety promptly can help manage symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.

Here are some key signs of anxiety in women:

1.  Excessive Worry and Fear (Taylor, S. 2014). 
2.  Restlessness and Feeling on Edge (Steiger, A., & Pawlowski, M. 2019).
3.  Muscle Tension and Physical Discomfort (Lee, C. H., & Giuliani, F. 2019).
4.  Panic Attacks (Brown, L. A., et al 2016)
5.  Sleep Disturbances (Steiger, A., & Pawlowski, M. 2019).
6.  Irrational Fears or Phobias (Taylor, S. 2014). 

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs of depression and anxiety in women is essential for early intervention and effective treatment. Women face unique biological, hormonal, and social challenges that contribute to their mental health vulnerabilities. By understanding these factors and identifying the specific symptoms, we can provide better support and resources to help women lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, reach out to a mental health professional for help. Early treatment can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength; no one has to face these challenges alone.

References

Albert, P. R. (2015). Why is depression more prevalent in women?. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 40(4), 219-221.

Smith, K., & De Torres, I. (2014). A world of depression. Nature, 515(181), 10-1038.

Szuhany, K. L., & Simon, N. M. (2022). Anxiety disorders: a review. Jama, 328(24), 2431-2445.

Hofmeister, S., & Bodden, S. (2016). Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. American family physician, 94(3), 236-240.

Ali, M., Aamir, A., Diwan, M. N., Awan, H. A., Ullah, I., Irfan, M., & De Berardis, D. (2021). Treating postpartum depression: what do we know about Brexanolone?. Diseases, 9(3), 52.

Katon, W., Russo, J., & Gavin, A. (2014). Predictors of postpartum depression. Journal of women's health, 23(9), 753-759.

Aqeel, M., Arbab, K. B., & Akhtar, T. (2018). Psychological problems and its association to other symptoms in menopausal transition. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 33(2), 507-519.

Stute, P., & Lozza-Fiacco, S. (2022). Strategies to cope with stress and anxiety during the menopausal transition. Maturitas, 166, 1-13.

Lin, J., Zou, L., Lin, W., Becker, B., Yeung, A., Cuijpers, P., & Li, H. (2021). Does gender role explain a high risk of depression? A meta-analytic review of 40 years of evidence. Journal of Affective Disorders, 294, 261-278.

Lee, D. W., Hong, Y. C., Seo, H. Y., Yun, J. Y., Nam, S. H., & Lee, N. (2021). Different influence of negative and positive spillover between work and life on depression in a longitudinal study. Safety and health at work, 12(3), 377-383.

Gariepy, G., Honkaniemi, H., & Quesnel-Vallee, A. (2016). Social support and protection from depression: systematic review of current findings in Western countries. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 209(4), 284-293.

Alsubaie, M. M., Stain, H. J., Webster, L. A. D., & Wadman, R. (2019). The role of sources of social support on depression and quality of life for university students. International journal of adolescence and youth, 24(4), 484-496.

Balbuena, L., Bowen, R., Baetz, M., & Marwaha, S. (2016). Mood instability and irritability as core symptoms of major depression: an exploration using Rasch analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 7, 174.

Basson, R., & Gilks, T. (2018). Women’s sexual dysfunction associated with psychiatric disorders and their treatment. Women's health, 14, 1745506518762664.

Steiger, A., & Pawlowski, M. (2019). Depression and sleep. International journal of molecular sciences, 20(3), 607.

Simmons, W. K., Burrows, K., Avery, J. A., Kerr, K. L., Taylor, A., Bodurka, J., ... & Drevets, W. C. (2020). Appetite changes reveal depression subgroups with distinct endocrine, metabolic, and immune states. Molecular psychiatry, 25(7), 1457-1468.

Lee, C. H., & Giuliani, F. (2019). The role of inflammation in depression and fatigue. Frontiers in immunology, 10, 1696.

Taylor, S. (2014). Anxiety sensitivity: Theory, research, and treatment of the fear of anxiety. Routledge.

Brown, L. A., LeBeau, R., Liao, B., Niles, A. N., Glenn, D., & Craske, M. G. (2016). A comparison of the nature and correlates of panic attacks in the context of Panic Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder. Psychiatry research, 235, 69-76.