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Psychotropic-Drug Prescribing for Women

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 August 2018

Heather Ashton
Heather Ashton*
Affiliation:
Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
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Abstract

The reasons for women in Europe and North America being prescribed over twice as many psychotropic drugs as men are complex. Psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety appear to be more common in women than in men, and women more commonly complain of psychological symptoms. There may be a gender bias in medical diagnosis and choice of medication. Sociological factors may also be involved, including the likelihood that women have fewer outlets than men for symptom control by activities outside the home (e.g. the social use of alcohol). Women also have special problems including pregnancy, lactation, child rearing and pre-menstrual tension. Probably, much use of psychotropic-drug use for women (and men) is inappropriate and not closely related to the symptoms or conditions for which they are prescribed. Furthermore, the chronic use of some psychotropic drugs, especially benzodiazepines, may compound the problem by inducing dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 158 , Issue S10: Women and Mental Health , May 1991 , pp. 30 - 35
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1991 

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