Depression and Depressive Symptoms in Korean Women

Abstract

Depression refers to a psychiatric condition exemplified by diminution of interest, changes in appetite and in sleep patterns, tiredness, decreased activity levels, apathy, reduced mental abilities, and repetitive suicidal thoughts. Prolonged depression is known to cause impairment in social functioning―including marital, parenting and work functioning. The most serious complications associated with depression include suicide and violent behavior. A 2011 epidemiological survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare suggests that the lifetime prevalence of depression has been on the rise in both men and women over the years, with women's (9.1 percent) being substantially higher than men's (4.3 percent). In the National Health and Nutrition Survey (2010~2012), 16.3 percent of women reported having experienced "depressive symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks in the past year," compared to 9.0 percent of men. This suggests further need for investigation into depression and depressive symptoms in women. Also important is to provide focused interventions to prevent and manage depression in women.