[Effect of aging on the sex distribution of depressive disorders]

The effects of age on sex differences in depression were studied in an inpatient-sample of the Department of Psychiatry, Free University Berlin. The dependent variable depression was defined by nosological classification (ICD) and by the severity of the Depressive Syndrome of the AMP-Rating Scale on admission. With the exception of the 40-49 years olds women were more often diagnosed as depression compared to men, the preponderance of women was significant till the age of 40. With regard to the Depressive Syndrome women manifested a more pronounced symptomatology up to the age of 70. The difference diminished for male and female patients 50-69 years old and changed to a higher score for men older than 70. The results were discussed in comparison to other findings published in the last years.