Gender Disparity in Depression: Why Women Are Diagnosed Twice as Often

Epidemiologic data consistently show a 2:1 female-to-male ratio for major depressive disorder. Contributing factors:

• Biological: Hormonal fluctuations (puberty, menses, postpartum, perimenopause), HPA-axis reactivity.
• Psychosocial: Gender-role stress, caregiving burden, violence exposure, income disparity.
• Help-seeking: Women more likely to present for care; men may externalize (substance use, aggression).

Ratios vary across cultures and age groups. Both sexes deserve equitable screening and treatment access.