Recent research looking at the brain activity of both male and female adolescents found that depression affects them in different ways. Cambridge University Dr. Jie Yu Chaung undertook the research to ascertain whether there was a contrast between young boys and girls reactions to depression.

Dr Chaung’s findings were recently published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry.  Dr Chaun is quoted as saying “…Men are more liable to suffer from persistent depression, whereas in women depression tends to be more episodic,” This research means that male and females who experience depression should have different drug treatments.   

Depression is seen as being more common in females than in men, although some argue that women are more likely to admit to having depression, whereas men will not be so readily be open to revealing this. The study found that girls are two times more likely to experience serious depression as boys by the age of 15.

While girls are more likely to experience depression, researchers suggest that boys are more likely to commit suicide. Boys are also more likely, as a consequence of depression, to suffer from substance misuse. Mr Chaung states that “…Sex-specific treatment and prevention strategies for depression should be considered early in adolescence. Hopefully, these early interventions could alter the disease trajectory before things get worse…”  

Another piece of recent research also found that four out of five young people with autism have experienced mental health problems, but they struggle to find support.

It is important to seek help from your GP if you think you may be depressed. Many people wait a long time before seeking help for depression, but it is advisable not to delay. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can be on the way to recovery. Depression is quite common and 1 in 10 people will have some form of depression in their life. Research suggests that around 4% of children aged 5-16 feel anxious of depressed in the UK.

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