An analysis from researchers at Oxford University has found that women are up to 40 percent more likely than men to develop a mental illness. Based on epidemiological studies from the UK, Europe, US, Australia and New Zealand, these findings will have a significant effect on public health, according to Professor Daniel Freeman, as millions of people in the UK alone have been affected by mental illness and the consequences of gender disparities are widespread. As such, GPs need to be made aware of this when deciding on treatment and support for their patients. The study suggests that women are as much as 75 percent more likely to have suffered from depression and up to 60 percent more likely to report an anxiety disorder. Men are supposedly more likely to report a substance misuse disorder – more than two and a half times more frequently. There were no significant results for the report of conditions such as ADHD or schizophrenia between genders.
The results make for interesting reading, as the pattern they show indicate that women suffer more from ‘internal’ problems, such as depression or sleep disorders. Men have external issues from their environment, such as alcohol or anger problems. The complex factors which contribute to these differences are not only related to physiological or biological factors, but also society. Mental health conditions are common in today’s society and are seriously damaging to one’s lifestyle and health. The issues are complex and this study shows that our environment is a strong contender for influencing the symptoms and disorders we develop. For example, women tend to have more issues with their self-esteem and view themselves more negatively than men do. Mental health disorders can be damaging to our health, so if you think you may be suffering with a condition, speak to your GP who can advise you further.
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