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Mental Health & Women: Are You At Risk?
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Incidence of Depression
Unipolar depression, which is a major depressive episode that occurs without a manic phase, is twice as common in women than men. It is the most common mental health problem for women. Depressive disorders account for nearly 41.9% of disability caused by neuropsychiatric disorders. Physicians are more likely to diagnose depression in women than in men, even when they have identical symptoms and similar scores on standardized tests as their male counterparts. Photo: Getty Images
Influence of Hormones
Research in mental health looks at the influence of female hormones on brain chemistry. Throughout a woman’s life, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, scientists have found that these hormones directly affect the brain chemistry that controls emotions and mood. The changes in hormonal levels during puberty, prior to a menstrual period, during and following pregnancy, and during perimenopause are being studied as causes of depression. Photo: Getty Images
Women as Victims
Women and children account for 80% of the 50 million people worldwide who are victims of violent conflicts, civil wars, displacement and disasters. Gender discrimination, domestic violence, pressure created from the multiple roles assumed by women, such as wife, mother and sole income earner, and factors including poverty and hunger negatively impact mental health. Physical and sexual violence accounts for poor mental health in women. The World Health Organization says that at least one in every five women is the victim of rape or attempted rape. Photo: Getty Images
Alcohol Dependence
Dependence on alcohol is twice as high in men than women. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that 13% of American women have more than seven drinks per week and this is above the recommended limits. Research in the area of alcohol dependence has found that women who suffered sexual abuse in childhood and women suffering with depression are more likely to have drinking problems. Photo: Getty Images
Difference in Disclosure
There is a gender difference in disclosing problems with a healthcare provider and the accurate identification and treatment of mental health problems. Women are more likely to seek help and disclose mental health problems with their primary care physician. Men are more likely to seek help from a mental health specialist. Men use inpatient care services more than women. Men are more likely than women to disclose a problem with alcohol use with their healthcare provider. Unless asked directly by a physician, women are generally reluctant to disclose a history of abuse. Photo: Getty Images
Gender Acquired Risks
Women have a greater exposure to poverty, discrimination and the socioeconomic disadvantage of being paid less than men. These factors contribute to the increased risk for poor mental health. Traditional subordinate gender roles increases susceptibility to depression. Photo: Getty Images
Higher Prevalence of More Than One Disorder
Women are more likely than men to suffer mental illnesses of increased severity, higher levels of disability and higher use of services. The prevalence rate involving three or more disorders is higher in women than men. Depression and anxiety are the two most common disorders. Concurrent disorders can also include agoraphobia, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and somatoform disorder. Photo: Getty Images
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