Women experience depression twice as often as men. The diagnostic criteria for depression are the same for both genders, but women with depression more frequently experience guilt, anxiety, increased appetite & sleep, weight gain, & comorbid eating disorders. Women who have severe depression accompanied by active suicidal thoughts or plans should usually be managed in conjunction with a psychiatrist. This article includes a discussion of significant risk factors for suicide attempts & suicide completions in women as well as some basic treatment principles. (38 refs.)