Gender differences in perceived social support and stressful life events in depressed patients

Objective: To study the gender differences in perceived social support and life events in patients with depression. Methods: A total of 118 patients aged 18 to 60 years, with depressive disorder according to the DSM- IV-TR, were evaluated using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale. Results: The perceived social support score was significantly higher in males than females (p < 0.001). Males perceived significantly higher social support from friends than females (p < 0.001), whereas support from significant others was higher in females. There was a higher mean number of total life events as well as specific type of life events in males that became apparent after controlling for education (p < 0.05). Financial loss or problems was the most commonly reported life event in both males and females. Work-related problems were more commonly reported by males, whereas family and marital conflict were more frequently reported by females. Conclusion: Perceived social support and stressful life events were higher in males with depression than females.