The Facts About Male Depression

Depression often goes undiagnosed in males due to their tendency to deny and underrate their symptoms, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Screening tests are frequently used to determine if a patient is depressed and requires treatment.

Significance

• Depression is a serious condition for anyone who suffers from it. Men are more likely to commit suicide than women are when they experience depression, possibly a result of their reluctance to obtain treatment.

Symptoms

• Men commonly describe their symptoms of depression as fatigue, sleep troubles, irritability, violent and risky behavior and loss of interest or concern in work and hobbies.

Types

• Types of depression most often identified in men include major disruptive disorder, which typically interferes with all aspects of everyday life, dysthymia and bipolar disorder.

Misconceptions

• It is believed that men do not experience depression as regularly as women do; however, it is frequently a matter of men covering up the condition with substance abuse, resisting mental health treatment or hiding emotions to maintain a sense of masculinity.

Prevention/Solution

• Several antidepressant medications are available for males diagnosed with depression. They work effectively and safely to increase the brain chemicals that influence emotions.