Gender Differences in Depression Severity, Gender-Sensitive Symptoms, Resilience, and Stigma in Major Depressive Disorder (GD-GSS-R-S-MDD)

Eskisehir Osmangazi University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Resilience, Psychological; Social Stigma; Self Stigma; Gender Differences; Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07474363

2025 - 166 / 14

Details and patient eligibility

About

Depression is a common and serious mental health condition that affects mood, thoughts, behavior, and overall quality of life. It arises from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. While depression is more frequently diagnosed in women, research suggests that men may experience and express depressive symptoms differently. Men are more likely to display symptoms such as irritability, anger, impulsivity, or increased alcohol use, and they may be less likely to seek professional psychological support due to social expectations and fear of stigma.

Stigma-both self-stigma (internalized negative beliefs about having a mental illness) and perceived social stigma (concerns about being judged by others)-can negatively influence individuals' willingness to seek help and adhere to treatment. In addition, psychological resilience, defined as the ability to cope effectively with stress and adversity, may play an important role in how individuals experience depressive symptoms and respond to treatment.

This study aims to compare women and men diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder in terms of depression severity, gender-sensitive depressive symptoms, self-stigma, perceived social stigma, and levels of psychological resilience. It will also examine the relationships among these factors to better understand how gender-related differences influence the experience and management of depression.

Findings from this study may contribute to improved recognition of gender-specific features of depression, reduction of stigma, and the development of more individualized and effective mental health interventions for both women and men.

Enrollment: 90 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Male and female patients aged 18 to 65 years
• Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder according to DSM-5 at the time of study participation
• Provision of voluntary informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Intellectual disability
• Severe neurological disorders
• Comorbid psychiatric diagnoses
• Depressive disorder secondary to an organic medical condition
• Depressive disorder secondary to substance use

Trial design

90 participants in 2 patient groups

Women

Description:

Female patients aged 18-65 years who were diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and presented to the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic of Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine

Men

Description:

Male patients aged 18-65 years who were diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and presented to the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic of Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine