GENDER DIFFERENCES IN AXIS-I COMORBIDITY AMONG DEPRESSED OUTPATIENTS

Objective: The aim of our study was to assess gender differences in Ax is I comorbidity in patients with a primary diagnosis of Major Depress ive Disorder (MDD), as well as gender differences in age of onset of M DD. Methods: The presence of MDD, including age of onset, and of comor bid Axis I disorders were assessed in 396 depressed outpatients. Resul ts: Women were significantly more likely than men to meet criteria for comorbid bulimia nervosa and for simple phobia, while men were signif icantly more likely than women to meet criteria for lifetime history o f alcohol abuse/dependence and other substance abuse/dependence. No ot her significant gender differences in those comorbid Axis I disorders examined were observed. In addition, the age of onset of the first epi sode of MDD was significantly lower in women than in men. Conclusions: Our findings are consistent with those of previous studies showing a greater prevalence of alcohol and substance abuse and dependence in me n and of earing disorders in women.