Paper Summary:

This paper provides a brief overview of depression, its causes and its higher prevalence amongst women. The paper focuses on one of the main risk factors associated with depression: physical illness such as AIDS/HIV. The paper also explains that women diagnosed with HIV face not only health concerns, but also stigmatization and potential rejection from friends and family. In addition, the paper discusses the responses of women to this disease and relates that they often resort to self-blame and depression. Finally, the paper emphasizes how optimism and positive thinking have been shown to affect the progression of any disease.

From the Paper:

"It is estimated that 20 million adult Americans experience depression every day. Study after study has indicated that women suffer depression twice as often as men. Rates of depression have been increasing in every generation since 1915. Ongoing scientific research continues to explore the causes of this pervasive condition. And yet, much of the research on mental illness has been conducted on men, using male standards. As a result, women suffering from mood disorders often do not receive the diagnosis or treatment that is appropriate to their needs. Researchers are only just beginning to understand the factors that contribute to gender-based differences in mental illness."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cook, J.A. ,Grey,D. (2004) Depressive Symptoms and AIDS-Related Mortality Among a Multisite Cohort of HIV-Positive Women. American Journal of Public Health Volume 94(7), pp 1133-1140
• Green, G., Sobo, E.J (2000) The Endangered Self: Managing the Social Risk of HIV Health. Risk and Society Publication: London; New York Routledge
• Ickovics, J.Ra, Milan, S. (2006). Psychological resources protect health: 5-year survival and immune function among HIV-infected women from four US cities. AIDS Volume 20(14) p 1851-1860.
• Marshall, K., Keough, L.(2004) Mind, Heart, and Soul in the Fight against Poverty Washington, D.C: World Bank Publication.
• Milan, S. (2005). Interpersonal Predictors of Depression Trajectories in Women with HIV. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology Volume 73(4), p 678-688

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