Study says women antidepressant use spikes post-breakup

Ever wondered how breakups and the loss of a loved one impact men and women differently? A study examining antidepressant usage among over 200,000 individuals aged 50 to 70 in Finland from 1996 to 2018 sheds light on this. Before a breakup, both genders showed an uptick in antidepressant use, but women seemed to be hit harder. In the four years leading up to a split, women's usage increased significantly more than men's, and even after, they continued relying more on antidepressants compared to their pre-breakup days. Gender-specific family roles, responsibilities, and economic disparities likely contribute to this discrepancy, as women often bear more caregiving and household duties. Despite facing more challenges, women tend to have broader social networks and stronger social support, which might help them cope better. When it comes to the loss of a partner, both genders saw an increase in antidepressant usage leading up to the event, but women experienced a more significant spike, especially in the months surrounding the bereavement. Interestingly, more men than women entered new relationships within a couple of years after a breakup or loss. It's an intriguing glimpse into how gender dynamics play out in the realm of relationships and emotional well-being.

Reference: Hu Y, Metsä-Simola N, Malmberg S, et al Trajectories of antidepressant use before and after union dissolution and re-partnering in later life: a prospective total population register-based cohort study, J Epidemiol Community Health, DOI: 10.1136/jech-2023-221529