Psychological health - depression

Depression is twice as prevalent in women as in men. Depression is much more common among younger women than older women.

Depression is a chronic disease - one episode is highly predictive of future episodes.

Social support may be a protective factor. Women who lacked emotional support had higher odds of a future depressive episode compared with women with emotional support.

There is a strong association between smoking and depression, but the research evidence concerning the underlying reason is complex.