Sex differences in recurrent depression: are there any that are significant?

The authors report on sex differences in a group of 230 patients with recurrent depression. Male and female patients were similar in clinical characteristics and baseline measures of severity. Some sex differences in depressive symptoms were apparent, especially as reflected by self-report instruments. The women reported more appetite and weight increase, more somatization, and expressed anger and hostility. The men demonstrated a more rapid response to treatment. Various interpretations of these findings are discussed.