A survey on anxious and depressive complaints of Brazilian women

Abstract

Background: Affective disorders and symptoms are very prominent among women. However specific complaints and symptoms may vary in different cultures.

Methods: A survey on the most common complaints from Brazilian women, identified as anxious or depressive symptoms, was performed with a focus group of 6 psychiatrists. The results are shown and a narrative review of manifestations of anxious and depressive symptoms in Latin American women are reported.

Results: Complaints and symptoms of depression and anxiety are associated with some ethnic and socio-cultural factors. The overlap between depression and anxiety is substantial.

Limitations: The authors concluded that there is still insufficient quantitative scientific evidence, allowing a clear view of this subject.

Conclusions: There have been suggestions that ethnic, cultural, and economic conditions seem to play an important role in presentation of depressive and anxious symptoms.