Women suffering from depression is far from unusual. In fact, women suffer from a higher rate of depression than their male counterparts. In 2010 the global annual prevalence of clinical depression was 5.5% for women and 3.2% for men, representing a 1.7-fold greater occurrence in women. Not only do women struggle with the disorder at a greater rate than men, but women also suffer from several gender-specific types of depression like premenstrual dysphoric disorder, perinatal depression, and perimenopausal depression. But depression affects every woman differently.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is more effective for women than for men, according to researchers at the U.S. Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress in 2013. A study by Randy Pardell, Medical Director at Riverview Psychiatric & TMS Center of the Hudson Valley in Poughkeepsie, NY, showed that, for women, the response rate of TMS was 77 percent and the remission rate was 71 percent. For men, these rates were lower, at 65 percent and 61 percent, respectively. One in eight women in the U.S. are impacted by the disorder, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness.
Clinical depression is not always easy to spot in women. Some display classic depression symptoms like being unable to get out of bed or experiencing frequent sadness. But women often have more complex symptoms that manifest themselves in ways that don’t always lead one to suspect depression. Here are some lesser discussed symptoms of depression.
Anhedonia
Losing interest in activities you normally love is known as anhedonia and is a major sign of depression. Sure, we all go through fads and trends, but those suffering from depression find it hard to conjure up the motivation to do things they regularly love doing. Social anhedonia is a loss of interest in social contact and a lack of pleasure in social environments.
Prolonged Social Media Use
Ever been addicted to swiping through Instagram or Reddit? Join the club. Researchers are now saying that mindlessly scrolling through social media might be a subconscious distractor for those living with undiagnosed depression.
Constantly Losing Your Temper
There is no doubt that sometimes you’re just surrounded by incompetence. But regularly losing your temper at co-workers, partners, or children can be a symptom of depression. According to a 2013 report in JAMA Psychiatry, “overt irritability/anger” was a symptom of more than half of those experiencing more severe or long-term depression.
Plagued by Indecision
According to one study published in the Cognitive Therapy and Research Journal, increasing or sudden indecisiveness is a big symptom of depression in women. Researchers believe that the weight of hopelessness or expecting the worst in every situation can be a factor in such indecision.
TMS for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers
Some antidepressants become unavailable to mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Choosing between one’s mental health and the health of one’s baby is hardly a choice at all. Luckily, TMS is a safe alternative to medication, according to a study published in the Journal of Women’s Health. The pilot study looked at ten pregnant or breastfeeding women. Seven patients responded positively to the treatment, and there were no adverse fetal or pregnancy outcomes. TMS is known for its lack of side effects and could therefore be an ideal treatment for women before or after pregnancy.
TMS Health Solutions
The female and male clinicians at TMS Health Solutions wish to support women suffering from clinical depression or treatment-resistant depression through their personalized approach. Even the most severe symptoms of clinical depression can be treated, either solely with TMS Therapy or with a combination of TMS, medication, and talk therapy. On the flip side, even the mildest forms of depression can create problems for women when left untreated. Finding relief from depression starts with seeking support from family, friends, and your doctor. TMS Health Solutions is ready to help.
