Women's increased vulnerability to mood disorders: Integrating psychobiology and epidemiology

Abstract

Beyond the repeatedly confirmed finding that women greatly outnumber men among those diagnosed with mood disorders lies a widely-varying set of hypotheses that attempt to explain affective disorders from various perspectives. This article reviews the epidemiological and diagnostic factors that account for the finding. In addition, we review some of the current hypothetical constructs of the etiology and pathophysiology of depression and their potential relevance to the disproportionate number of women with unipolar depression. Particular attention is paid to the unique biological stages of a women's life and the differences between the biology of men and women. We also review some of the potential social, psychological, and environmental factors that might particularly promote the development of depression in women. Depression 3:3–12 (1995). © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc