Differences in the effects of divorce on major depression in men and women

OBJECTIVE: The authors examined the relationship between marital disruption and major depressive episodes. METHOD: The analyses were based on longitudinal, community-based data from the New Haven Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) program on respondents 18-60 years old. The presence and history of major depression was assessed by using the National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule. RESULTS: Martial disruption was associated with higher prevalence rates of major depression in both men and women, but only men had a greater risk of a first-onset major depression. Differences between men and women in rates of major depression were observed only among married subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the relationship between marital disruption and major depressive episode differs for men and women. They also provide further evidence that differences between men and women in rates of depression vary by marital status.