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

Recruiting now

Conditions studied: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Gender Differences, Resilience, Psychological, Self Stigma, Social Stigma

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07474363

Run by

Eskisehir Osmangazi University

People needed

90

Starts

2025-06-01

Expected to finish

2026-11-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-03-25

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 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

You may not qualify if…

• Intellectual disability
• Severe neurological disorders
• Comorbid psychiatric diagnoses
• Depressive disorder secondary to an organic medical condition
• Depressive disorder secondary to substance use

Where it is running

• the Department of Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic at Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine — Eskişehir, Eskişehir, Turkey (Türkiye) (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.