Women's Health: Depression

Course overview

In this Health Update, Dr. Mary O'Brien defines depressive illness as a disorder that affects almost every aspect of life. Depending on the type and severity, depression can last any where from a couple of weeks to several years. With 12% of women in the America experiencing some form of depression, it is important for clinicians to be aware of the multiple forms that are affecting women. The course begins by examining the signs, symptoms, duration, and treatment methods associated with depressions that most often affect women, such as Major Depression, Dysthymia, Bipolar Depression, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Participants will gain an understanding of how genetics, hormones, interpersonal relationships (family history and/or physical and psychological abuse), physical abilities, and biochemistry influence the existence and/or persistence of depression. Women are more likely to obtain medical treatment for depression than men, but this does not mean that women are the only people suffering from depression. Men, children, and the elderly suffer from depression as well. Men are less likely to accept and seek help for their depression; rather, they tend to camouflage their depression by drinking (substance abuse) or working excessively. The information in this course will enable clinicians to recognize the symptoms of depression among men and how male symptoms differ from female symptoms. As an emerging and rapidly growing area of research, this course presents various medical opinions concerning the behaviors and treatments associated with childhood depression. Participants will also learn about depression among the elderly and how to assist elderly people in obtaining the appropriate treatment. This course presents research surrounding the genetic, environmental, and biochemical factors that influence depression. Presenting cumulative research that dates back to the 1950s, this course outlines beginning theories surrounding the biochemical affects of depression. Discussing theories such as the Biogenic Amine Hypothesis, the Receptor Sensitivity Hypothesis, the Serotonin-only Hypothesis, and the Permissive Hypothesis participants will learn about how the accumulation of scientific research has revealed much information about the relationship between monoamine neurotransmitters, receptor sites, serotonin inhibitors, and non-adrenaline.