Gender and Mental Health

This paper addresses the relationship between gender and mental health. First, the field of mental health and the concept of gender is introduced. This is followed by a discussion of the forms of gender bias implicated in mental health research. Next, gender differences in mental health outcomes are described, including differences in the prevalence and course of conditions. Evidence related to a gendered, social determinants model of mental health is examined. Depression is used as an illustrative example of a mental health condition characterized by a very large gender difference in rates and one to which certain gender differences in life events and social position, such as socioeconomic disadvantage and gender based violence make a significant contribution. Policy recommendations from the evidence based review of gender and mental health conclude the paper.