News and Information

Back to News and Information

Depression in men - types and symptoms, causes and treatment

Depression and Men

Depression is an illness involving an imbalance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Depression is a serious medical condition that affects the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way one behaves. It affects the thought pattern of a person as well as one's self-perception.

Depression can strike anyone regardless of age, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, or gender. Depression in men is often masked by alcohol or drugs, or by the socially acceptable habit of working excessively long hours. Depression typically shows up in men not as feeling hopeless and helpless, but as being irritable, angry, and discouraged

Although men are less likely to suffer from depression than women, men do not admit that they need help for depression. Even if a man believes he may be depressed, he will be less willing than a woman to seek help.

The direct causes of depression are not clear. However, it is known that body chemistry can bring on a depressive disorder. It can be due to experiencing a traumatic event, hormonal changes, altered health habits, the presence of another illness or substance abuse.

Various types of depression in men

Major depression or major depressive disorder interferes with a man’s ability to work, study, sleep, eat and enjoy activities once he enjoyed. A major depressive episode may occur only once but several episodes may occur in a lifetime. Chronic major depression may require a person to continue treatment indefinitely.

Another less severe type of depression is dysthymia. It involves long lasting, chronic symptoms that do not seriously disable a man but keep him from functioning well or feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.

Bipolar disorder or manic depressive illness is another form of depression. Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes like severe highs (mania) and lows (depression), often with periods of normal mood in between. Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but usually they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, an individual can have any or all of the symptoms of depression.

Depression Symptoms

• Persistent sad or empty mood
• Feelings of pessimism and hopelessness
• Feeling guilty and worthless
• Loss of interest in hobbies which held joy before
• Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling slowed down
• Difficulty in concentration and remembering things
• Trouble sleeping or in some cases too much sleep
• Changes in appetite
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Restlessness or agitation
• Headaches, digestive disorders, chronic pains that do not go away

What causes Depression

The main cause for depression is a disorder of the brain. The neurotransmitters are held responsible for abnormalities in the brain leading to depression.

Certain types of depression are hereditary. The chances of ones getting depression are increased if any one in the family suffers from depression.

People with certain personality traits are more likely to become depressed. These include negative thinking, pessimism, excess worry, low self-esteem, overdependence on others, and ineffective responses to stress. Trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, a financial problem or any stressful change in life patterns can lead to depression.

Difficult life events, loss, change, or persistent stress can cause neurotransmitters to become unbalanced, leading to depression. Men can face many situations in life such as any health problem, new job or hostile environment at work which can cause depression.

Depression Treatments

Medications

There are several types of medications used to treat depression. These include newer antidepressant medications like

• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)–and older ones
• the tricyclics
• the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

The SSRIs and other newer medications that affect neurotransmitters such as dopamine or norepinephrine, generally have fewer side effects than tricyclics.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is another treatment option for men whose depression is severe or life threatening. ECT often is effective when antidepressant medications do not provide sufficient relief of symptoms. Electrodes are placed at precise locations on the head to deliver electrical impulses. The stimulation causes a brief (about 30 seconds) generalized seizure within the brain, which is necessary for therapeutic efficacy.

Psychotherapy or talk therapy involves working with a trained therapist to figure out ways to solve problems and cope with depression. It may take weeks to months to complete psychotherapy as men take long on opening up. More intense psychotherapy may be needed for very severe depression or for depression

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps to alleviate depression and reduce the chance of recurring by helping you change your way of thinking. Didactic component helps to set up positive expectations for therapy and promote your cooperation. Cognitive component helps to identify the thoughts and ideas that influence your behavior.

Behavioral therapy (BT) helps to modify your depressive behaviors through highly structured, goal-oriented therapy. Functional analysis of behavior helps to define the behaviors that will be targeted for change. Various techniques can be employed to modify the selected behavior, including relaxation training, assertion training, role playing and time management tips. Monitoring the behavior of men by progress and program effectiveness can be done.

As opposed to the popular belief that men do not have depression, men can face severe depression. The intensity or the duration of stress in men varies depending upon the kind of problems they face. Depression of any kind should not be left untreated for a long time.