NWHRC Survey on Women and Depression
Results of a nationwide online survey of more than
1,000 women conducted by the National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC)
in August 2003 found that there are still misperceptions surrounding
depression that prevent women from acknowledging their depression and seeking
proper treatment, regardless of their age. The survey also shows that even
though an overwhelming majority of women have been depressed or have known someone
who has depression, nearly half of respondents will not discuss this with their
healthcare provider because they perceive depression as a weakness or personality
flaw that does not require medical attention.
According to a study published the Journal of
the American Medical Association (JAMA, 6/18/03), the majority of depressed
individuals are not adequately treated. Studies have also shown that depression
in women is misdiagnosed approximately 30 to 50% of the time. The NWHRC survey
results suggest that this could be attributed to women's preference to turn
to friends or family members rather than a medical practitioner, thus prolonging
the proper diagnosis and initiation of treatment for their illness.
Women have different perceptions of depression depending
on their life stage, according to the survey. The majority (75%) agree that
life changes, such as moving, marriage, birth, divorce and growing older, are
among the main precipitators of depression at every age. Interestingly, women
in their 20's, 30's and 40's also think that their own peer group is at greatest
risk for depression.
The 18-29 year-olds recognize that they are at risk
for depression despite their young age, yet they report not seeking professional
help due to the negative stigma associated with this condition. In fact, only
9% of younger women are willing to begin a discussion about depression with
their doctor. In contrast, women in their 40s, who may be more confident with
their life experience and less affected by social pressures, report being the
most comfortable talking to their doctors about depression
Women in the 30-39 year old age group, the largest
group in the child-rearing years, recognize the high risk associated with this
time, since they may be undergoing one of the major physical, psychological,
and social stresses in their life. Childbirth is gaining recognition as a major
risk factor in the development of depression, yet almost a quarter of the women
in the 30-39 year old age group point specifically to financial concerns as
the greatest impact on their lives.
Women in the 40-49 year old age group also appear
to be well educated about depression and recognize the importance of mental
health, with more than 50% noting that the condition is best treated with prescription
medication. In comparison, the 18-29 year old age group's perception of depression
as a serious medical condition varied drastically, with nearly three-quarters
responding that depression is best managed with treatments other than prescription
Ironically, while 95% of the women surveyed recognize
that depression is a treatable condition, the survey confirms that stigma continues
to erode women's confidence and prevents them from seeking medical attention.
Reversing negative perceptions about depression will help women, at every age,
feel more comfortable initiating a dialogue with their physicians, which is
a critical step towards getting effective treatment.
For more information about depression or other mental health issues, click
Created: 11/21/2003  - Donnica Moore, M.D.