Gender Differences in Depression Severity, Gender-Sensitive Symptoms, Resilience, and Stigma in Major Depressive Disorder

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

Depression is a common and serious mental health condition that affects mood, thoughts, behavior, and overall quality of life. It arises from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. While depression is more frequently diagnosed in women, research suggests that men may experience and express depressive symptoms differently. Men are more likely to display symptoms such as irritability, anger, impulsivity, or increased alcohol use, and they may be less likely to seek professional psychological support due to social expectations and fear of stigma.

Stigma-both self-stigma (internalized negative beliefs about having a mental illness) and perceived social stigma (concerns about being judged by others)-can negatively influence individuals' willingness to seek help and adhere to treatment. In addition, psychological resilience, defined as the ability to cope effectively with stress and adversity, may play an important role in how individuals experience depressive symptoms and respond to treatment.

This study aims to compare women and men diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder in terms of depression severity, gender-sensitive depressive symptoms, self-stigma, perceived social stigma, and levels of psychological resilience. It will also examine the relationships among these factors to better understand how gender-related differences influence the experience and management of depression.

Findings from this study may contribute to improved recognition of gender-specific features of depression, reduction of stigma, and the development of more individualized and effective mental health interventions for both women and men.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Depression Severity — Baseline (single assessment)
  Depression severity will be assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The Beck Depression Inventory is a 4-point Likert-type scale consisting of 21 items. Each item is rated on a scale of 0 to 3, and the total possible score ranges from 0 to 63. Higher scores indicate a greater severity of depressive symptoms.
• Gender Differences in Gender-Sensitive Depressive Symptoms — Baseline (single assessment)
  Gender-sensitive depressive symptom severity will be assessed using the Gender-Sensitive Depression Scale, a 24-item, four-point Likert-type instrument. Each item is rated on a four-point scale with response options ranging from 0 to 3: "Never or rarely," "Sometimes," "Often," and "Always." The scale comprises the subdimensions of Dysphoria-Irritability, Impulsivity-Shame, and Alcohol Use. Higher scores indicate greater severity of depressive symptoms.

Trial sites (1)

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