In a recent study published online in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, it is suggested that women may face greater challenges in emotionally adapting to divorce or relationship breakups in later life compared to men, as indicated by patterns of antidepressant use.
The research revealed that both men and women showed an increase in antidepressant use leading up to and following a divorce, breakup, or bereavement. However, women tended to use these medications more than men. Interestingly, while entering into a new relationship led to a slight decrease in antidepressant use for both genders, this reduction was short-lived for women.
The study highlighted the growing trend of “gray divorce” among individuals aged 50 and above in high-income countries, leading to an increase in re-partnering. With later-life depression affecting around 10-15% of individuals over 55, the psychological impact of events like divorce, breakup, bereavement, and new relationships on antidepressant use is a significant area of study.
Examining data from 228,644 older Finns aged 50 to 70 between 1996 and 2018, the researchers found that a substantial number experienced bereavement, divorce, or breakup, with subsequent re-partnering observed in a portion of these individuals.
Interestingly, more men tended to enter new relationships following bereavement or a breakup, while there were no distinct gender differences in re-partnering after divorce. The study also noted that both men and women increased their antidepressant use leading up to significant events such as the death of a partner or divorce, with a subsequent decrease post-event but at levels higher than before.
Antidepressant use patterns differed between men and women experiencing a breakup, with women showing a more significant increase in usage before the event. Following a breakup, men’s antidepressant use returned to pre-event levels, whereas women experienced a continuous increase in usage over time.
The study suggested that the stresses associated with losing a partner, such as changes in life circumstances and social support, may contribute to the observed patterns of antidepressant use. Additionally, the findings implied that the mental health consequences of union dissolution may impact women more heavily than men, potentially due to differences in social networks and responsibilities in managing blended families.
While the study acknowledged limitations in establishing causation and accounting for various factors like family support networks, it emphasized the importance of providing support for individuals navigating union dissolution in later life.
This research sheds light on the complexities of emotional adjustment to significant life events in later years and underscores the need for tailored support and interventions in such circumstances.