DEPRESSION IN WOMEN - IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH-CARE RESEARCH

Epidemiologic data from around the world demonstrate that major depression is approximately twice as common in women than men and that its first onset peaks during the childbearing years. Progress has been made in understanding the epidemiology of depression and in developing effective treatments. Much remains to be learned about the basic pathogenesis of depression and the specific treatment needs of depressed women and their offspring, especially during the reproductive years.