Gender Differences in Depression Severity, Gender-Sensitive Symptoms, Resilience, and Stigma in Major Depressive Disorder
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Gender Differences, Resilience, Psychological, Self Stigma. Basic parameters: 18 years — 65 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
A Comparative Examination of Depression Severity, Gender-Sensitive Depressive Symptoms, Psychological Resilience, and Stigma Levels in Women and Men With Major Depressive Disorder
Overview
Depression is a common and serious mental health condition that affects mood, thoughts, behavior, and overall quality of life. It arises from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. While depression is more frequently diagnosed in women, research suggests that men may experience and express depressive symptoms differently. Men are more likely to display symptoms such as irritability, anger, impulsivity, or increased alcohol use, and they may be less likely to seek professional psychological support due to social expectations and fear of stigma. Stigma-both self-stigma (internalized negative beliefs about having a mental illness) and perceived social stigma (concerns about being judged by others)-can negatively influence individuals' willingness to seek help and adhere to treatment. In addition, psychological resilience, defined as the ability to cope effectively with stress and adversity, may play an important role in how individuals experience depressive symptoms and respond to treatment. This study aims to compare women and men diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder in terms of depression severity, gender-sensitive depressive symptoms, self-stigma, perceived social stigma, and levels of psychological resilience. It will also examine the relationships among these factors to better understand how gender-related differences influence the experience and management of depression. Findings from this study may contribute to improved recognition of gender-specific features of depression, reduction of stigma, and the development of more individualized and effective mental health interventions for both women and men.
Primary outcome measures
- Depression Severity [Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)]
- Gender Differences in Gender-Sensitive Depressive Symptoms [Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)]
Secondary outcome measures (3)
- Self-Stigma in Depression [Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)]
- Perceived Social Stigma Related to Seeking Psychological Help [Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)]
- Psychological Resilience [Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Male and female patients aged 18 to 65 years
- Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder according to DSM-5 at the time of study participation
- Provision of voluntary informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- Intellectual disability
- Severe neurological disorders
- Comorbid psychiatric diagnoses
- Depressive disorder secondary to an organic medical condition
- Depressive disorder secondary to substance use
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-only
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
- the Department of Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic at Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty o — Eskişehir
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07474363 · 2025 - 166 / 14