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Sex differences in the disability associated with mental disorders.
1Department of Psychological Medicine, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand. Kate.scott@otago.ac.nz
Current Opinion in Psychiatry
|May 19, 2011
Summary
Men experience greater disability from depression and anxiety than women. This includes more impairment in daily functioning and social relationships, potentially due to men
Area of Science:
- Mental Health
- Psychiatry
- Sex Differences in Health
Background:
- Women exhibit higher prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders.
- Previous research indicated greater disability in women with depression compared to men.
- Conversely, men have historically shown greater disability in psychotic disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex differences in the disability associated with depression and anxiety disorders.
- To re-evaluate the consistency of sex differences in mental disorder disability.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two general population studies.
- Examination of reported impairment in everyday functioning and social relationships.
Main Results:
- Men with depression or anxiety disorders reported greater functional and social impairment than women.
- Findings align with research on psychotic disorders and sickness absence.
- Consistent sex differences in disability associated with mental disorders are suggested.
Conclusions:
- Men face more functional and social impairment from depression, anxiety, and psychosis than women.
- Male reticence in disclosing emotional distress may contribute to greater social isolation.
- This highlights a need to address support access for men with mental health conditions.
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