Women Need More Comprehensive Approach to Managing Depression

While half of young women aged 20-29 felt they would "just get over" depression and relied heavily on support of friends and family, the vast majority of women aged 60-69 reported taking medication and not seeking support, according to a new national survey. Overall, findings show that most women are neither aware of the age-dependent circumstances that can put them at risk for depression, nor do they adopt a comprehensive treatment approach that can increase the chances of becoming well.

To help women of all ages better recognize and manage depression, Eli Lilly and Company and the National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) are launching a new educational program called Ages & Stages. As part of this program, a survey of more than 1,200 women with depression revealed that their views of, and experiences with, the illness varied considerably depending on their age, often leading to misunderstanding of the illness, misdiagnosis and lack of proper care.

"The results of the survey highlight the need for age-specific information to ensure that all women are seeking proper treatment for their depression," said Dr. Vivien Burt, professor of psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. "Younger women need to understand that depression is a real illness that requires treatment, while older women need to know that support is a key component of a successful treatment program. Ages & Stages covers all aspects of depression and tailors the information to the specific needs of women at different points in their lives."

The Ages & Stages program, an extension of Support Partners, provides women with a comprehensive guide that leads them through different life stages and situations that could trigger depression. Special emphasis is placed on the changing role of supportive networks, as well as tips on whom women can turn to at each stage of their lives. The guide is accessible by visiting http://www.SupportPartnersProgram.com, and clicking on the Ages & Stages icon.

"The Ages & Stages program sheds light on how women are affected by depression throughout their lives, and provides important information for women coping with depression," said Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, RN, executive director of the National Women's Health Resource Center.

The Ages & Stages guidebook incorporates various important topics into the following chapters:

Young Women and Depression (20s-early 40s)

Younger women tend to misunderstand depression and underestimate the seriousness of the illness. In fact, nearly 60 percent of women under age 29 thought that they would just "get over" their depression.

In this section of the guidebook, women will learn that, while depression can occur at any age, the first episode of major depression is most likely to happen in early adulthood. It also discusses situations when the risk for developing depression may be increased as a result of life events including a new job, failed relationship and pregnancy. Women in this age group may turn to friends and family members for support.