Question

What types of disorders do women commonly experience? What about men? Do you think these gender differences are accurate? Why or why not?

How do rates of mental disorders vary based on gender identity and/or sexual orientation?

How is the “minority stress theory” (Meyer, 2003) related to LGBTQ people’s experiences of mental disorders? What are the 3 chronic stressors identified in this theory, and how do they impact people?

How can the same mental disorder look different in different people? Examples?

Be familiar with common gender differences in the following disorders: eating disorders, substance and alcohol abuse, anxiety disorders, and depression.

How do gender biases of mental disorders influence diagnosis and treatment?

What are some examples of ways that (mental & physical) health providers can reduce gender bias?

Answer 1

Women experience Anxiety, depression, and eating disorders more compared to men. Men are more like to have Substance abuse and antisocial disorder. These gender differences are accurate. In the case of depression, women go through dramatic biological and hormonal changes through their lives, in addition, have to deal with childbirth along with social and cultural issues such as taking care of home children etc. In the case of anxiety, again social and cultural differences are responsible. Women internalize their emotions as opposed to men, who externalize them. Eating disorders are predominantly seen in women, the reasons are cultural standards and expectation of the society from a woman to be thin. Men are more like to engaged in substance abuse as they more likely to use substance as a coping mechanism than women. Antisocial disorder is linked testosterone, which higher in males than females.