Male and Female Doctors View Depression in Women Differently

A survey conducted by the Society for Women's Health Research, a Washington, D.C. based advocacy organization, found that in most areas male and female doctors hold fairly consistent views about women and depression. There were a few notable differences, however.

Male doctors are less likely than women doctors to believe that women are more susceptible to depression during both puberty and perimenopause, which are two key periods of hormonal change in a woman's life. They held similar views, however, regarding postpartum depression and depression after menopause.

Another area in which they differed was that when asked about the major symptoms of depression, female doctors were more likely than male doctors to mention lack of motivation or giving up easily and being unable to concentrate.

Male and female doctors did tend to agree, however, that woman are at greater risk than men of experiencing depression at some point during their life.

“The survey findings are a good reminder for all of us, both patients and doctors, to communicate carefully and clearly with one another about health so that we can get the right diagnosis and the right treatment for each patient, regardless of sex," said Jo Parrish, vice president of communications for the Society. "It is easy to fall into the lull of thinking that our doctors have all the information and know everything they need to know, when in fact what we tell them and how well that information is received has a tremendous impact on our health and health care outcomes.”