A survey on anxious and depressive complaints of Brazilian women

BackgroundAffective disorders and symptoms are very prominent among women. However specific complaints and symptoms may vary in different cultures.MethodsA 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.ResultsComplaints and symptoms of depression and anxiety are associated with some ethnic and socio-cultural factors. The overlap between depression and anxiety is substantial.LimitationsThe authors concluded that there is still insufficient quantitative scientific evidence, allowing a clear view of this subject.ConclusionsThere have been suggestions that ethnic, cultural, and economic conditions seem to play an important role in presentation of depressive and anxious symptoms.