Gender differences in the presentation of depressed outpatients: a comparison of descriptive variables

Background: Gender differences in the clinical manifestation of depression and related variables were examined in 170 depressed outpatients. Method: Age of onset of depression, chronicity, recurrence, subtype of depression, self-harm history and prior treatment history were assessed with structured clinical interviews. Depression symptom profile, family psychiatric history and social, occupational and interpersonal functioning were assessed with self-report and clinician ratings. Results: Overall, males and females were remarkably similar. Significant findings were that depressed females reported significantly more appetite increase, weight gain and carbohydrate craving, and in general, expressed their depression in a more emotional manner, than depressed males. Conclusion: Psychosocial and biological explanations for these results are explored. Limitations: Descriptive study and multiple testing