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Men’s Depression and Suicide

  • Sex and Gender Issues in Behavioral Health (CN Epperson and L Hantsoo, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Psychiatry Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To explore recent research evidence addressing men’s depression and suicide. Included are discussions of recent literature investigating male depression symptoms, and men’s depression and suicidality help-seeking and engagement with professional mental health care services.

Recent Findings

Specific externalizing symptoms of substance misuse, risk-taking, and poor impulse control among men indicate the need for gender-sensitized depression screening and risk assessments. The reticence of some men for seeking professional health care has drawn public awareness raising and de-stigmatizing efforts, while clinical guidelines for working with boys and men have been offered to better serve men seeking help for depression and/or suicidality.

Summary

There is a strengthening case for male depression comprising specific externalizing symptomology, and these findings, along with high male suicide rates (including men who are seemingly in care), indicate the need for tailored approaches to men’s depression and suicide prevention.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

    John L. Oliffe & Emma Rossnagel

  2. School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

    Zac E. Seidler

  3. Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

    David Kealy & John S. Ogrodniczuk

  4. Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth, Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

    Simon M. Rice

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  1. John L. Oliffe
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  2. Emma Rossnagel
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  3. Zac E. Seidler
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  4. David Kealy
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  5. John S. Ogrodniczuk
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Correspondence to John L. Oliffe.

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Oliffe, J.L., Rossnagel, E., Seidler, Z.E. et al. Men’s Depression and Suicide. Curr Psychiatry Rep 21, 103 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1088-y

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