Depression in males – specificity, aetiology, relationships with suicidal tendencies and the psychoactive substances usage: literature overview

Purpose
To raise awareness about depressive disorders occurring in men and to define the causes that influence them.

Views
Depression and suicide attempts are observed more often among women. However, men far more often commit suicide. Research shows correlation between low incidence of diagnosed depressive disorders and high incidence of suicidal deaths in men. Depression in men may have different causes and symptoms than depression in women. Numerous research studies suggest the existence of the “syndrome of male depression” where – apart from typical symptoms – there are often additional symptoms, such as anger, impulsiveness, substance abuse and antisocial behaviours. Sometimes similar behaviours can occur among depressive women. Mostly, however, women express their pain with emotions while men are concentrating on actions. Men also seek a specialist’s help significantly less frequently. Men treat the abuse of psychoactive substances as a form of self-medication more often than women do. Alcohol addiction coexisting with depression increases the risk of suicide attempt in men.

Conclusions
The literature review proves the complexity of the problem of depressive disorders occurring in men. There is a close correlation between depression, addictions and suicides. Improvements in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of any of these problems may positively influence others, too. These issues require further analysis and research. In this paper, it will be a representation of the male part of the Polish population.