Mental illnesses 'differ between the sexes'

Men and women are prone to different mental illnesses, according to new research, with many harbouring the conditions requiring assisted living.

A study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that anxiety and depression are more likely to be identified in women, while substance abuse and antisocial disorders tend to be more male.

Men were the most likely to externalise their feelings, resulting in aggressive, impulsive, coercive and noncompliant behaviour while their female counterparts experience withdrawal, loneliness and depression as they internalised their emotions.

"In women, treatment might focus on coping and cognitive skills to help prevent rumination from developing into clinically significant depression or anxiety," said senior author Nicholas R Eaton, from the University of Minnesota.

"In men, treatment for impulsive behaviours might focus on rewarding planned actions and shaping aggressive tendencies into non-destructive behaviour," he said.

Meanwhile, newer antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may cause more harm to seniors than older treatments, according to an investigation published on bmj.com.

Read about support and personalised care at Barchester care homes for anyone with mental health concerns.