Gender differences in unipolar depression: an update of epidemiological findings and possible explanations

To give an update on epidemiological findings on sex differences in the prevalence of unipolar depression and putative risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic review of the literature.

Recent epidemiological research yields additional evidence for a female preponderance in unipolar depression, holding true across different cultural settings. Current explanations include artefacts, genetic, hormonal, psychological and psychosocial risk factors. Rather consistently, intrapsychic and psychosocial gender role related risk factors have been identified which may contribute to the higher depression risk in women. Gender role aspects are also reflected in endocrine stress reactions and possibly influence associated neuropsychological processes.