Depression among women in the South-Asian region: the underlying issues.
BACKGROUND
The condition of women in third-world countries continues to be dismal. They are constantly exposed to such circumstances which make them prone to sufferings. These sufferings bear an irreparable brunt upon the mental health condition of females which are presented as greater psychological problems in terms of depressive disorders. The impact, in turn is felt by the society as a whole which lags behind due to the huge burden. This study is presented to highlight the various factors affecting the presentation of women in the region.


METHODS
This is a review of studies in which various issues pertaining to presentation, course, and outcome of depression among women in South-Asian region are discussed. The studies were chosen from Internet-based search.


RESULTS
The various factors affecting the problems can be grouped into: social milieu, reproductive health factors, and biological milieu.


CONCLUSIONS
This study incorporates various studies which were undertaken at different time durations; hence, its finding cannot be reproduced in an exact sense. It is worth mentioning that these factors need to be studied comprehensively for better health care.


CONCLUSIONS
This study gives an indication of specific health care needs of women in the region which are to be customized as per local needs and cultural sanctions.
Trivedi
J K
JK
Department of Psychiatry, K.G. Medical University, Lucknow-226003, India. jktrivedi@hotmail.com
Mishra
Manisha
M
Kendurkar
Arvind
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001208:Asia / Q000453:epidemiology; D018585:Battered Women / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012067:Religion; D012307:Risk Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D013240:Stereotyping