Abstract
The purpose of this literature review is to discuss gender differences in adolescent depression, and the role of sleep disorders in this difference. There is an evidenced gender disparity in adolescent depression in that women are more than twice as likely to experience depression. Similarly, women have a greater preponderance for lower sleep quality, and certain sleep disorders such as insomnia.
Adolescent depression is the most widespread psychiatric disorder globally, and affects more than eighteen million Americans annually. The average age of adolescent onset has been progressively decreasing over the last thirty years. It is during adolescence that a “gender shift” occurs where females have twice the probability of experiencing depression compared to their male counterparts in the thirteen to fifteen age bracket. This early onset depression, if not understood early on, reoccurs in adulthood as well as later in life. Accurate and early detection and treatment is important in minimizing future complications. To better prevent and treat depression, researchers must better understand adolescent depression.
This literature review analyzes data on the role of sleep disorders in affecting adolescent depression by gender. The highlights of this review are that after controlling for age, there is a significant relationship between sleep disorders and depression by gender. This analysis recommends that both the gender, and sleep disorders should be taken into consideration for future prevention, and treatment measures for adolescent depression.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Jaime Tartar
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-13-2012 1:00 PM
End Date
4-13-2012 5:30 PM
The Function of Sleep Disorders in Explaining Gender Differences in Adolescent Depression
Alvin Sherman Library
The purpose of this literature review is to discuss gender differences in adolescent depression, and the role of sleep disorders in this difference. There is an evidenced gender disparity in adolescent depression in that women are more than twice as likely to experience depression. Similarly, women have a greater preponderance for lower sleep quality, and certain sleep disorders such as insomnia.
Adolescent depression is the most widespread psychiatric disorder globally, and affects more than eighteen million Americans annually. The average age of adolescent onset has been progressively decreasing over the last thirty years. It is during adolescence that a “gender shift” occurs where females have twice the probability of experiencing depression compared to their male counterparts in the thirteen to fifteen age bracket. This early onset depression, if not understood early on, reoccurs in adulthood as well as later in life. Accurate and early detection and treatment is important in minimizing future complications. To better prevent and treat depression, researchers must better understand adolescent depression.
This literature review analyzes data on the role of sleep disorders in affecting adolescent depression by gender. The highlights of this review are that after controlling for age, there is a significant relationship between sleep disorders and depression by gender. This analysis recommends that both the gender, and sleep disorders should be taken into consideration for future prevention, and treatment measures for adolescent depression.
