Depression in Women

Is depression common in women?

Yes. Women are twice as likely as men to have depression. About 20 percent of women experience depression at least once during their lifetime. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 17 million people in the United States--1 in 10 adults--have depression each year.

What are the symptoms?

Doctors continue to learn about why women are more affected by depression than men, but there are some common symptoms in men and women. If you are depressed, you have some of the symptoms listed in the box nearly every day, all day, for 2 weeks or longer.

What causes depression?

Your brain has chemicals that help control your moods. When you don't have enough of these chemicals, or your brain doesn't respond to them properly, you may become depressed. Depression can be genetic (meaning it can run in families). Depression also can be linked to events in your life, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, or losing a job. Taking certain medicines, abusing drugs or alcohol, or having other illnesses can also lead to depression. Depression isn't caused by personal weakness.

Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are more likely to become depressed. Depression is more common a week before a woman's period and in the weeks after a woman gives birth (this is called postpartum depression).

How is depression treated?

Depression can be treated with medicine, counseling, or both. These treatments are highly effective. Medicine may be particularly important to treat severe depression. Medicines used to treat depression are called antidepressants. They correct the chemical imbalance in your brain. Antidepressants may cause side effects when you first start to take them, but they usually go away with time. The medicine can start working right away, but you may not see the full benefit for about 6 to 8 weeks. How long you'll need to take the medicine depends on your depression. Usually it is best to take medicine for at least 6 months. Don't stop taking your medicine without checking with your doctor first.

Are antidepressants safe for any woman with depression?

If you are planning to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about your medicines before you try to get pregnant. If you get pregnant while you are taking an antidepressant, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor will know if the medicine is safe to take in pregnancy.

Almost all medicines for depression can pass into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about your medicine and breastfeeding.

It's okay to take birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy at the same time as depression medicines. Taking hormones may even help some depressed women feel better.