Perspectives on depression, gender and crime: Depression sometimes masked, missed and misunderstood?

Abstract

This article offers both a literature review, and perspectives on the definition and nature of depressive illness, its various modes of presentation, and its significance in male, female and adolescent populations. It provides a brief review of some of the ideas about the aetiology of depression, outlines how to recognize it and discusses its relevance to forensic populations. Finally it suggests how early detection of depression and, consequently, more adequate access to treatment intervention, can be facilitated. Unfortunately, the presence of depression is sometimes overlooked and therefore missed (particularly in males) sometimes with tragic consequences for the sufferer and for society.

Adolescent Motherhood, Depression, and Delinquency

“…According to Daigle and colleagues (2007) depression is correlated with a variety of negative outcomes, including delinquent and criminal behavior. Affective disorders are more prevalent among females than males (Hodgkinson and Prins, 2011). Furthermore, depression symptoms account for a significant amount of affective disorders experienced by females (Hodgkinson and Prins, 2011).…”

“…Affective disorders are more prevalent among females than males (Hodgkinson and Prins, 2011). Furthermore, depression symptoms account for a significant amount of affective disorders experienced by females (Hodgkinson and Prins, 2011). For example, empirical studies have shown that females are twice as likely as males to experience symptoms of depression (e.g., Nolen-Hoeksema, 2001).…”

“…Depression among women has been linked to biological vulnerability (Birkeland et al, 2005;Hodgkinson and Prims, 2011). For example, female hormones (e.g., estrogen, progesterone) have an effect on mood and negative emotions (Wisner, Parry, and Piontek, 2002;Hodgkinson and Prins, 2011).…”

“…Other factors that increase female vulnerability to depression include low income, unemployment or low employment status, low educational levels, larger family sizes, lack of a supporting relationship (Hodgkinson and Prins, 2011). Women may respond to these stressors via negative emotions like depression, as opposed to anger (Hodgkinson and Prins, 2011).…”

“…Within the criminal justice system there are many offenders who exhibit symptoms of depression (Hodgkinson and Prins, 2011). This suggests that depression may lead to involvement in crime.…”