Research Findings: The rates of mental disorders between men and women are different

Jakarta (Lampost.co) – There are clear gender differences in incidence rates mental problems throughout their lives. This varies by age, type of psychiatric disorder, calendar period, and socioeconomic status.

The results of the new study by researchers at the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet were published in the journal The Lancet Regional Health – Europe published by Medical Express on Wednesday, 23 October 2024.

Psychiatric disorders are one of the most important public health problems in the world.

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Boys have a higher risk of neurodevelopmental problems. At the same time, women are more prone to depression and anxiety disorders.

However, most of the evidence is based on frequency studies, not distinguishing new (incident) cases from common and recurrent cases.

There is a research gap regarding gender differences in the prevalence of psychiatric disorders across the life course.

Swedish National Register Data

Researchers at IMM and colleagues from MEB, Uppsala University, Oslo University Hospital, and the University of Iceland, used Swedish national registry data and adopted a life cycle approach.

From there they were able to draw a comprehensive atlas of gender differences in the prevalence rates of clinically diagnosed psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. This is with an emphasis on analyzing gender differences according to different types of psychiatric disorders, socioeconomic status, and calendar time.

They found that gender differences in psychiatric disorders occurred across the lifespan. This supports the need for gender-based mental health prevention strategies.

Differences in these differences according to age and socioeconomic status suggest that current knowledge could be improved. This effort includes data on age and socioeconomic status.

This study also provides evidence for screening and intervention strategies aimed at specific age groups and socially disadvantaged people.