Chapter 50, Problem 1MM

Summary Introduction

Concept introduction: Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by a feeling of sadness, low mood, and loss of interest in normal things. The actual cause of depression is unknown, but are likely to be due to a complex combination of some factors including environmental, biological, genetic, and psychosocial factors.

Answer to Problem 1MM

Correct answer: The gender gap in depression refers to the finding that women's risk of depression is nearly double that of men's.

Explanation of Solution

The higher rate of depression in women is thought to be caused by some biological and psychological reasons. Women are more sensitive, ruminative, and tend to be invested more in personal relationships than men. When their relationship gets disrupted, they think about the things too much that predispose them to develop depression.

Based on biological explanation, depression or mood swings feelings occur due to normal hormonal changes. In women, dramatically hormone changes occur during the time of perimenopause, menopause, and pregnancy. This fluctuation in hormonal levels increase the risk of developing depression more in women than in men.