Major Depression: Does a Gender-Based Down-Rating of Suicide Risk Challenge Its Diagnostic Validity?

Abstract

Among sufferers of major depression, men and those who have been hospitalized have a much greater risk of suicide. These findings are sensitive to diagnostic inclusivity (the algorithm's denominator) which raises the question as to whether women with a depressive illness are more likely to be correctly identified than male sufferers? An argument is made for a gender-based nosological revision of the diagnostic criteria. In the interim, given the treatable morbidity of depression and the availability of safe, well-tolerated antidepressants, there is a prima facie case for lowering our threshold of treatment in men and youths presenting with a history of anger dyscontrol, or substance abuse, who have decompensated from previous levels of functioning and who show features of either typical or atypical depression.

Paternal Mental Health: Why Is It Relevant?

“…[27][28][29][30] Thus, the current diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder may have a feminine bias, which suggests that both men and women experience depression, but men may express their experiences differently. 31,32 Men tend to not report or express their depression in a linear, traditional manner, but may engage in avoidant, escape, or numbing behaviors (eg, aggression, suicide, addiction) to express and cope with their emotional distresses. 33 There are several theoretical explanations for the masculine expression of depression.…”

Suicide, mental disorder and responsibility

“…For example, the lifetime risk of suicide of people with major depression is 3.4% to 15% (Blair-West & Mellsop, 2001). But this does not make the case that all those who complete suicide have a mental disorder.…”

Case Study of Suicide Prevention in East Azerbaijan in 2009

“…Comprehensive suicide prevention programs were implemented in countries such as Finland, the UK, Canada, America and Australia [6]. Suicide prevention efforts are followed by decreased risk factors of suicidal thoughts and behavior and reinforcement of protective factors.…”