This research aimed to compare the prevalence rates of major depressive disorder (MDD) and to differentiate the presence and severity of depressive symptoms between women and men aged 18-24 years. In this population-based, cross-sectional study (n = 1560), young adults were screened with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for MDD (n = 137). Participants then completed a self-report questionnaire to gather sociodemographic data, and the presence of each symptom of depression was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory. The proportion of women (12.2%) with MDD was higher than that of men (5.3%). The symptoms of depression found to be significantly more prevalent in women were sadness, crying, difficulty making decisions, and lack of energy, as well as self-criticism, irritability, changes in self-image, work difficulty, and loss of interest in sex. Sadness and self-criticism were significantly more severe in women than in men. The presentation of depressive symptoms in young adults with MDD differed between men and women.

Our findings showed a higher prevalence of suicide risk in individuals with PTSD and support the hypothesis that the investigation of childhood traumatic experiences, especially emotional neglect and abuse, may help in the early detection of suicide risk in individuals with PTSD.

A six-session caregiver psychoeducational intervention on bipolar disorder did not bring benefits to caregiver's health. A longer longitudinal follow-up study would be crucial to see whether there were differences in degree of burden, perceived self-esteem and quality of life over time in caregivers.

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