Common Mental Disorders in Women

While anyone can suffer from a mental disorder, women seem to be at higher risk than men of developing one. The effects of mental health on overall health and well being are well documented in medical research. Here are some of the most common mental disorders affecting women.

Depression

In the United States, more than 20% of women suffer from a mental disorder. Depression ranks as one of the most common forms. The illness often persists longer in women than in men. The illness may be caused by abnormal neural circuit activity in the brain. Most women feel sad or lose interest in previously enjoyable things, but some may also experience anger. Only a mental health professional such as Jack Wu MD can provide the right diagnosis.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder has also been known as manic depression. The down moods often associated with depressive states then take a complete 180 swing in the opposite direction to a manic state. Periods of depression and mania can last from weeks to months to years before moving in the opposite direction. The dramatic mood swings have mental, emotional, and physical effects including insomnia and behavior. If you are experiencing these kinds of behavior, then you must get treatment bi polar from a professional.

Anxiety

While everyone is anxious sometimes, people suffering from an anxiety disorder cannot simply get over their anxieties. Women may avoid certain people or places that can cause panic attacks or severe anxiety. Many experience phobias and cannot shake persistent worries and fears. Often women experience more than one type of anxiety.

Risk Factors

The stresses of modern life affect women differently than men. Some reasons include the differences in gender roles, social expectations, and the prevalence of domestic and sexual violence. Not all reasons such as psychosocial adversity have been sufficiently studied. Women who feel they may suffer from a mental disorder should speak with a mental health professional to find a treatment plan that is right for them.