Downey JI
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Medscape Womens Health. 1996 Aug;1(8):4.
Depression strikes twice as many women as men. The dramatic changes in psychoactive hormones like estrogen and progesterone that occur during menstrual cycles and during pregnancy are believed to be key factors. According to the 4th Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV), the diagnosis of depression requires that specific criteria be met: depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure of at least 2 weeks' duration plus at least 4 of the following additional symptoms: change in weight, altered sleep pattern, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and suicidal ideation. Several new drug therapies are available for treating major depressive illness.
抑郁症的发病率女性是男性的两倍。月经周期和孕期中发生的雌激素和孕激素等精神活性激素的剧烈变化被认为是关键因素。根据《诊断与统计手册》第四版（DSM-IV），抑郁症的诊断需要满足特定标准：情绪低落或兴趣或愉悦感丧失至少持续两周，再加上以下至少4种其他症状：体重变化、睡眠模式改变、精神运动性激越或迟缓、疲劳、注意力难以集中、无价值感或内疚感以及自杀念头。有几种新药疗法可用于治疗重度抑郁症。
