A systematic review and meta-analysis on gender differences in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

IF 2.5 4区医学 Q2 PSYCHIATRY

International Journal of Social Psychiatry Pub Date : 2025-05-09 DOI:10.1177/00207640251331898

María Bernal Arenas, Andrés Arroyo-Sánchez, Úrsula Torres Parejo, José Eduardo Muñoz-Negro

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Gender disparity in mental health treatment has been a longstanding concern in healthcare. Women, who are disproportionately diagnosed with anxiety and depression, often receive more psychotropic medication than men.

Aims: This study investigates gender disparity in the treatment of anxiety and depression, aiming to uncover the intersection of medical and social factors and their influence on psychiatric care.

Methods: A systematic review methodology following PRISMA guidelines was performed. Literature searches were conducted on PubMed and Web of Science, including observational studies and excluding qualitative studies, which resulted in the screening of eight studies for an in-depth analysis which included meta-analysis. The GRADE approach was considered to address risk of bias.

Results: The findings of this review reveal a clear gender disparity in the treatment of anxiety and depression, with women consistently experiencing over-treatment when compared to men, even after adjusting for mental health status and diagnosis frequency, with statistically significant results for the meta-analysis (PR = 1.45, 95% CI [1.12, 1.78]), concluding that women are 54% more likely than men of receiving psychotropic treatment for anxiety and depression. The reduced number of studies included is acknowledged as a limitation of the study.

Conclusions: Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive understanding of biopsychosocial factors, integrating gender-inclusive politics into medical education and clinical practices. Recognizing and mitigating these underlying causes is paramount to reduce gender-based disparities in mental health and promoting better practices to achieve equitable health outcomes.

查看原文本刊更多论文

焦虑和抑郁治疗中性别差异的系统回顾和荟萃分析。

背景：心理健康治疗中的性别差异一直是医疗保健领域长期关注的问题。被诊断为焦虑和抑郁的女性通常比男性接受更多的精神药物治疗。目的：本研究探讨焦虑和抑郁治疗中的性别差异，旨在揭示医学和社会因素的交集及其对精神科护理的影响。方法：采用遵循PRISMA指南的系统评价方法。在PubMed和Web of Science上进行文献检索，包括观察性研究，排除定性研究，筛选出8项研究进行深入分析，包括荟萃分析。GRADE方法被认为可以解决偏倚风险。结果：本综述的研究结果显示，在焦虑和抑郁的治疗方面存在明显的性别差异，即使在调整了心理健康状况和诊断频率后，女性与男性相比仍持续经历过度治疗，meta分析结果具有统计学意义（PR = 1.45, 95% CI[1.12, 1.78]），结论是女性接受精神药物治疗焦虑和抑郁的可能性比男性高54%。研究数量的减少被认为是本研究的一个局限性。结论：解决这些问题需要全面了解生物心理社会因素，将性别包容性政治纳入医学教育和临床实践。认识和减轻这些根本原因对于减少心理健康方面的性别差异和促进更好的做法以实现公平的健康结果至关重要。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Social Psychiatry PSYCHIATRY-

CiteScore

12.30

自引率

1.30%

发文量

120

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Social Psychiatry, established in 1954, is a leading publication dedicated to the field of social psychiatry. It serves as a platform for the exchange of research findings and discussions on the influence of social, environmental, and cultural factors on mental health and well-being. The journal is particularly relevant to psychiatrists and multidisciplinary professionals globally who are interested in understanding the broader context of psychiatric disorders and their impact on individuals and communities. Social psychiatry, as a discipline, focuses on the origins and outcomes of mental health issues within a social framework, recognizing the interplay between societal structures and individual mental health. The journal draws connections with related fields such as social anthropology, cultural psychiatry, and sociology, and is influenced by the latest developments in these areas. The journal also places a special emphasis on fast-track publication for brief communications, ensuring that timely and significant research can be disseminated quickly. Additionally, it strives to reflect its international readership by publishing state-of-the-art reviews from various regions around the world, showcasing the diverse practices and perspectives within the psychiatric disciplines. This approach not only contributes to the scientific understanding of social psychiatry but also supports the global exchange of knowledge and best practices in mental health care.