ANXIETY IN WOMEN –
Disorders classified under the general heading of anxiety disproportionately affect women.
The figure for U.S. women is approximately 23% of the female population. It’s 14% for U.S. men. The same gender gap exists for neighboring Canada. Canadian statistics are 14% for women and 8% for m
Contributors to anxiety in women are biological, psychological, and sociocultur
1. Biological contributors:
- Hormonal Fluctuations: Women’s estrogen and progesterone fluctuations.
- Brain structure and genetic factors.
2. Psychological contributors:
- A tendency for women to engage in repetitive negative thinking.
- Stressful and traumatic experiences. Studies indicate that approximately 13% of women have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime.
3. Sociocultural Contributors:
- The pressure to be a “good mother” and provider. 63% of women find it highly stressful to balance work and family. This is especially true for single mothers.
- Workplace harassment: U.S.: 37–40% of women. Nearly 50% of Canadian women.
WHAT TREATMENTS FOR ANXIETY ARE EFFECTIVE FOR WOMEN?
- Antidepressants are the choice for long-term treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
- In the United States, access to health care is characterized by barriers to health care and gaps in insurance coverage: The problem is that a large percentage of the population is uninsured. The cost of medication and treatment for many is so high that they forgo these resources. It is estimated that as high as 1-in-4 women in the U.S. skip getting mental health care because of the cost.
- Canada – Universal coverage with limitations: A key gap in coverage is psychotherapy, which often has to be paid through additional private insurance or out-of-pocket.
A systematic review and the collection of national statistics need to be a priority for the United States and Canada.
