Depressed older men less likely to recognize symptoms and seek treatment

According to a recent study, depressed older men are much less likely than depressed older women to recognize their depression and seek treatment for it.  The study by Dr. Ladson Hinton of the University of California-Davis School of Medicine and colleagues also found that the stigma of depression is an important barrier to care in men.  The researchers also found that “[t]he public health importance of improving care for depression among older men is clear." "Older men experience higher rates of completed suicide than any other age and gender group (approximately eight times higher than older women)." (Reuters 10/3/06)