Clinical Research Directory

Gender Differences in Depression Severity, Gender-Sensitive Symptoms, Resilience, and Stigma in Major Depressive Disorder

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.

Gender Differences in Prevention Strategies and Therapeutic Adherence After Acute Myocardial Infarction

PARTICIPANT CENTERS: 25 hospitals managing routinely acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and representing different regions from Spain will be invited to participate. GENERAL OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if there are differences in the level of adherence to recommended secondary prevention therapies (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) between women and men surviving a type 1 acute myocardial infarction (with obstructive coronary artery disease), its potential consequences, and the potential factors related to that difference, if present. DESIGN: Prospective, matched cohort study of patients hospitalized for a type 1 acute myocardial infarction with evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease who are discharged home alive. Women will be enrolled first, ideally in a consecutive manner, as they are the focus of the study. Men will be recruited subsequently as the comparison group, with 1:1 matching for age and ECG presentation. Matching will be performed locally, in each study site (hospital). All patients will undergo 1-year follow-up with clinical and therapeutic adherence evaluation. \- Reference cohort: 500 women discharged alive after a hospitalization for a type 1 acute myocardial infarction with significant coronary artery disease. \- Comparator cohort: 500 age (±2 years) and ECG (ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) / non-ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI)) locally matched men discharged alive after a hospitalization for a type 1 acute myocardial infarction with significant coronary artery disease.