sex, gender, sexuality and mental health

Question 1

sex differences in mental illness

Answer 1

due to:
biological differences - small difference in brain more physical. HPA function may differ based on type of stressor
environmental factors
underreporting of male mental illness

Question 2

the role oestrogen

Answer 2

plays protective role against psychosis - increased risk of schizophrenia in post menopausal womem

Question 3

environmental factors and sex differences

Answer 3

abuse
family stress/ dysfunction
socioeconomic status
35% of women experience physical or sexual abuse (underreported in men)
family stress for women
men less likely to seek help due to traditional masculine behaviours GALDAS ET AL

Question 4

sex-sensitive psychiatry

Answer 4

if it influences mental health it should be accounted for in treatment
- tailor meds across menstrual cycle/ pregnancy
- sec differences in pharmacokinetics