Depression in children and adolescents: does gender make a difference?
The occurrence of depression is higher in females after puberty, suggesting a gender-related difference. This article reviews studies that have examined gender differences in the presentation and treatment of depression in adults and discusses how this information applies to depressed children and adolescents. The adult literature suggests that men and women vary in presentation of depression. In addition, differences exist in the pharmacokinetic properties of various medications, but it is unclear how they affect clinical treatment response. Studies of gender differences in child and adolescent depression are limited. Some studies suggest that differences seen in adults may also apply to children and adolescents. Studies of gender differences in treatment response are not available, however. Further study and evidence-based exploration are required to better understand gender differences in depression in children and adolescents.
Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 102 Sansom Street Room 1652, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
Elizabeth B
EB
Weller
Angelica
A
Kloos
Joon
J
Kang
Ronald A
RA
Weller
D000293:Adolescent; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017678:Sex Distribution
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors