Women and Mental Health
Why is women’s mental health important?
Mental disorders can affect women and men differently. Some disorders are more common in women, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. There are also certain disorders that are unique to women. For example, some women experience symptoms of depression at times of hormone change, such as during or after pregnancy (perinatal depression), around the time of their period (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), and during menopause (perimenopause-related depression).
When it comes to other mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, research has not found sex differences in the rates at which they are diagnosed. But certain symptoms may be more common in women than men, and the course of illness can be affected by a person’s sex. Researchers are only now beginning to tease apart the various biological and psychosocial factors that may impact mental health.
Latest news
- Population Study Finds Depression Is Different Before, During, and After Pregnancy
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• Research Highlight
New NIMH-funded research tracked population-level rates of postpartum depression among new mothers before, during, and after pregnancy.
- Barriers and Supports to HIV Prevention Among Young Women in Kenya
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• Research Highlight
In a qualitative study supported by NIMH, researchers identified barriers and supports to Kenyan women’s use of PrEP, a highly effective medication to reduce HIV transmission.
- Women’s Experiences of Sexual Assault and Harassment Linked With High Blood Pressure
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• Press Release
Women who had ever experienced sexual violence in their lifetime—including sexual assault and workplace sexual harassment—were more likely to develop high blood pressure over a seven-year follow-up period, according to an NIH-funded study.



Featured videos on women’s mental health
Postpartum Depression
This video provides patient testimony and information on the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and reinforces the importance of seeking help and treatment from a health professional.
NIMH Experts Discuss the Menopause Transition and Depression
Learn about the signs, symptoms, treatments, and latest research on the menopause transition and depression.
Mental Health Minute: Eating Disorders
Got 60 seconds? Take a mental health minute to learn about eating disorders.
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