Men and Depression
“Depression remains the ‘under’ disease: under-diagnosed, under-discussed, and under-treated for everyone, but especially for men,” says John Greden, M.D., executive director of the University of Michigan Depression Center. Men with depression often present with different clinical symptoms and a tendency to focus on physical rather than emotional ailments—for example, fatigue, physical pain and sleep problems. Thus, different screening and diagnostic strategies may be required for accurate diagnosis.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Depression Center Sleep and Chronophysiology Laboratory, directed by Roseanne Armitage, M.D., are conducting studies that may prove to have particular relevance to treating depression in men. One investigation examines gender differences in sleep regulation in childhood and adolescent depression.
Another study investigates sleep treatment for individuals undergoing treatment for alcohol abuse. The majority of those affected are men, many of whom are depressed but are attempting to mask their symptoms through self-medication with alcohol or drugs. The Depression Center investigators have learned that the best outcomes result when both depression and alcohol abuse are treated at the same time.
“Regardless of gender, many with depression face a stigma barrier, but this is arguably even more of a struggle for men than women,” continues Greden. To help combat stigma, the Depression Center is developing a pilot program with retired professional athletes to provide support to those suffering from depression. This “Real Men, Real Depression” initiative conveys the message that depression is a medical illness, not a character flaw, and that it is treatable.
Depression does occur in men. It is important to find it early and not be misled by symptoms that commonly mask depression. The U-M Depression Center continues its efforts to ensure that depression and bipolar disorder in men does not remain under-diagnosed and under-treated.
Real Men. Real Depression. (NIMH)
