Gender differences in depression: implications for treatment.

The study of gender differences in psychiatric disorders has received increasing attention in recent years. Depression has emerged as an important area of focus, as epidemiologic data have consistently shown that depression is twice as common in women as in men. In addition to this difference in prevalence, there may be gender differences in presentation, course of illness, and treatment response to both medications and psychotherapy. This article reviews current knowledge of gender differences in depression and presents recommendations for gender-specific assessment and treatment of depression.