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Women's mental health: A silent cause of mortality and morbidity
Author(s) -
Stewart D.E.,
Ashraf I.J.,
Munce S.E.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2006.04.025
Subject(s) - medicine , mental health , anxiety , psychiatry , context (archaeology) , depression (economics) , paleontology , biology , economics , macroeconomics
It is estimated that 450 million individuals worldwide are affected by mental, neurological or behavioral problems at any time, and that 873,000 die annually by suicide. Key international authorities and a literature review suggest that women are disproportionately affected by depression, anxiety and eating disorders, which usually go unrecognized and untreated, and that the mental health of women can be understood only if their biological, social, cultural, economic and personal context is considered. International efforts should increase to prevent, recognize and treat mental disorders in girls and women. An International Women's Mental Health Consensus Statement is herein provided, for endorsement by interested organizations wishing to begin this task.