Anyone can experience depression more so by women. As per the National Mental Health Association, one in every eight women is expected to develop major depression in their lifetime. In the United States alone, approximately 12 million women in a year are diagnosed to have major depression. A variety of factors can be considered in why women are twice as likely to suffer depression from men but the treatment approaches are more or less the same. Treatment can be using medications like Zoloft and psychotherapy among others. Antidepressant is the main treatment for depression but in some cases, it is not given. An example would be the British study where it showed Zoloft to be ineffective at treating depression in patients with dementia.
What Can Cause Depression in Women?
Premenstrual Problems
Changes in hormonal levels during the menstrual cycle can lead to symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) which includes bloating, fatigue, irritability and mood changes. Usually, most women experience mild symptoms of PMS but some can have severe cases which can be disruptive in their normal activities. This condition is diagnosed as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.
Role Strain
The woman of today is no longer limited to functioning as a mother and a wife. Working women are increasing in number and that adds to their already demanding roles. When there is a failure to meet the demands of even just a single role, role strain occurs. The woman can feel the overwhelming responsibilities and she can be subjected to stress and depression.
Pregnancy
The pregnant woman has major changes in hormones which could increase the risk for her to develop major depression. Other factors contributing to depression are unwanted pregnancies, miscarriage, infertility and spousal neglect among others.
Postpartum Depression
After childbirth most women feel the blues for a few weeks but longer than that could mean postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is known to be influenced by the sudden drop in hormones but other factors such as birth defects can trigger this condition. Certain medications like Zoloft can cause birth anomalies. Women whose babies had birth anomalies may blame themselves for not being cautious when they were still pregnant. Zoloft birth defect lawsuits have been filed by those parents whose babies developed birth defects to be rightfully compensated for all the sufferings that they’ve incurred.
