Older Men Get Depression, but Less Help

Men, especially older men, are less likely to be referred for treatment of depression, although they get the disease just as often as women. That’s because they like to be seen as the “strong, silent type”, according to a study from UC Davis, California. Men are more likely to conceal or mask the symptoms, and then reject the diagnosis when it is offered. They are more likely to “somatize” their symptoms – rather than admit “I feel depressed” or I feel sad” they will complain of a stomach ache. Anything to avoid being labeled as “crazy”. They based their findings on a study of 1800 adults over 60 with major depression from 8 primary care clinics.

A reduced likelihood of treatment is important as the risk of suicide is consequently likely to increase. Older men have a much higher rate of completed suicide: 32 per 100,000 in men over 65, compared with 4 per 100,000 older women.

The diagnosis of depression carries a stigma for many men, whereas women are more open and prepared to talk about their problems. This means that one of the first steps of treating men with depression is to get them to give up their “core masculine values” and be prepared to talk freely with their psychotherapist.

If you have any older men in your acquaintance, consider that they may be at risk of depression when they start to collect symptoms such as stomach ache, headache, or rheumatics that interfere with their usual cheerful life habits. Have a talk with them about “strong silent types” and get them to a sympathetic physician. You may be curing more than a stomach ache.