In an analysis in 2013, Prof Daniel Freeman, Clinical Psychologist at the Oxford University found that nearly 40% of women are more likely to develop mental illness compared to men. His study showed that women are 75% more likely to have suffered from depression and about 60% are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorder. Irrespective of gender, mental health issues affect both men and women but, there are certain mental issues that affect more women than men. Here’s a list of mental disorders that affect women:
1. Depression
Women are more likely to suffer from depression compared to men. An article published in Psychology Today in 2012 mention that since hormone levels in women fluctuates more than men (especially around childbirth and menopause), they are more susceptible to depression. Also, women have a genetic tendency of developing depression compared to men. Women process Serotonin, the feel-good hormones, at a much slower rate than men. That’s why they are more prone to depression.
2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Though Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is more associated with men, especially war veterans but women are twice as likely to develop PTSD, following a traumatic experience, than men are. According to National Center for PTSD (2015), compared to men, traumatic experiences are more common in women (such as sexual or physical abuse). About 5 out of 10 women experience at least one traumatic event in her life and these events often trigger PTSD. They found that nearly 10% of women, compared to 4% of men, are likely to develop PTSD.
3. Anxiety
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) mentions that women are more likely to develop anxiety than men. They further mention that anxiety disorders appear early in women than in men. The difference in the brain chemistry of men and women is the reasons behind this. The brain system that triggers fight-or-flight response is easily activated in women. And it remains activated for a much longer time than in men. Moreover, the female brain doesn’t process Serotonin as quickly as the male brain; this makes the women vulnerable to anxiety disorder.
4. Eating Disorders
About 85%-95% of women suffer from eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. 65% of the female population suffers from binge eating. An article published in WebMD Health news mentioned that Anorexia is a fatal psychiatric disorder as it carries a higher risk of death. A study at the University of Leicester in 2011 found that Anorexia has double the death risk of Schizophrenia and thrice the death risk of Bipolar Disorder. Women are constantly bombarded with the concept of “perfect” body through various media and other societal influences. This affects their psyche and they develop a distorted idea regarding their body image.
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