0
0
A recent large-scale study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health sheds light on the emotional toll of divorce and break-ups in later life, particularly for women. The study suggests that women may find it harder to adjust emotionally to these life changes compared to men, as indicated by patterns of antidepressant use.
The study, conducted among 228,644 adults aged 50 to 70 in Finland between 1996 and 2018, found that women’s use of antidepressants was greater than men’s in the lead-up to and aftermath of divorce, break-ups, or bereavement. While both sexes experienced an increase in antidepressant use during these periods, women’s use remained consistently higher.
Lead author of the study notes that “grey divorce” is on the rise in high-income countries, leading to an increase in re-partnering among older adults. However, the emotional impact of these life events, particularly on women’s mental health, has been relatively understudied.
The study found that both men and women increased their use of antidepressants in the months leading up to divorce or break-up. However, while men’s antidepressant use stabilized after a year, women’s use remained elevated and even increased again from the first year onwards.
Furthermore, the study observed that re-partnering was associated with a slight reduction in antidepressant use for both sexes. However, this reduction was short-lived for women, with their antidepressant use returning to pre-re-partnering levels or even higher within two years.
The findings suggest that women may face greater challenges in adapting to union dissolution in later life, leading to prolonged emotional distress and a higher reliance on antidepressant medication. While men may also experience emotional upheaval during divorce or break-ups, they may be more likely to seek emotional support from re-partnering.
The researchers emphasize the need for better support mechanisms for individuals going through later-life divorce or break-ups, particularly women who may be more vulnerable to mental health consequences. They highlight the importance of understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by women in these situations to provide effective support and intervention.
The study underscores the need for greater awareness and resources to help individuals navigate the emotional complexities of later-life relationship changes, ensuring better mental health outcomes for all.
Date: 07/02/2024
Research: [Trajectories of antidepressant use before and after union dissolution and re-partnering in later life: a prospective total population register-based cohort study (doi: 10.1136/jech-2023-221529)]
Journal: Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health
