According to research, socially constructed differences in roles and responsibilities, status, and power between men and women contribute to differences in mental health, health-seeking behavior of those affected, and responses of the health sector and society as a whole.
When analyzing the conducted research, it is vital to keep in mind that there are significant gaps. Male-female differences in some mental health problems, such as depression and schizophrenia, are better understood than other scenarios. Adult men and women are better understood than adolescents and children, and the situation in industrialized countries is better understood than the situation in developing countries.
There is a gender divide in the usage of mental health services. Men consult mental health experts less frequently than women. When it comes to general care, gender inequalities are more obvious, but they fade when it comes to an expert or residential care. This disparity in mental health care utilization between men and women cannot be explained by a lack of need.
Although there are no variations in the overall incidence of psychopathology between men and women, men and women have different symptoms. Internalizing disorders are more common in women while externalizing disorders are more common in men. Gender differences have been the subject of many theories, but only a few have been objectively tested.
Differences in mental health between the genders
Adolescent girls have a substantially higher prevalence of depression and eating disorders during adolescence, as well as suicidal ideas and attempts than boys. Adolescent boys are more likely than girls to have anger issues, engage in high-risk behaviors, and commit suicide. Teenage girls are more likely to have inward-directed symptoms, whereas juvenile boys are more likely to act out.
Women have a significantly higher frequency of depression and anxiety in adulthood, while men have a larger prevalence of substance use disorders and antisocial behaviors. Women also have a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders due to genetic and biological factors.
Some studies have found that mood swings are linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. The interplay of psychosocial and hormonal factors resulted in an increased risk of prenatal and postnatal depression. Women may also face significant psychological anguish and disorders as a result of reproductive health issues. Infertility and hysterectomy have been linked to an increased risk of affective/neurotic disorders in women. According to a recent study from the United States, adults with bladder control issues, a disorder more common in older women than older males, showed more mental distress and signs of depression.
