Sex Differences in Psychiatric Morbidity: An Analysis of Victorian Data

Abstract

This study examined relevant Victorian data in the light of overseas findings on sex differences in psychopathology and utilisation of psychiatric treatment resources. Data sources included community health surveys and treatment statistics from the State psychiatric services, general hospitals and general practitioners. It was revealed that more Victorian women than men reported and were treated for psychiatric problems, and that women were most often diagnosed as depressed and otherwise neurotic, whereas men more often had alcohol and personality disorders. Married women had higher rates of mental illness than married men, whereas single and divorced men had higher rates of psychiatric morbidity than their female counterparts. Occupational status was related to men's, but not women's mental health. Various explanations for the findings are discussed, with some stress on the possible contribution of the sex role socialisation and cultural expectations of men and women.