Gender and mental health
Gender differences in the burden of mental illness are well-established, with women experiencing higher prevalence of disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Identifying gender specific risk factors and effective interventions for mental illness is of crucial importance, yet vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women with mental illness, are often excluded from research for practical and ethical reasons. This limits the evidence base for policymaking, service delivery, and clinical decision making.
Main topics include:
- An introduction to epidemiological research methods in the context of mental illness;
- Whilst the focus of this module is on women’s mental health, the course will also address the topic of men’s mental health;
- Gender differences in the prevalence, presentation and prognosis of mental disorders, and the biological and sociocultural influences on these differences.
On successful completion of this module, you will be expected to be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of gender differences in the prevalence, presentation and prognosis of mental disorders.
- Identify and develop strategies to manage key ethical and safety issues in mental health research.
- Apply knowledge and understanding of mental health research methodologies to specialised contexts such as pregnancy, parenting and violence
- Critically evaluate epidemiological research methods in gender-based mental health research.
