While no individual experiences anxiety the same as another, women tend to experience higher rates of anxiety disorders than men, peaking during the perinatal period. In addition, women’s symptoms differ from men’s.
The reasons for the differences between men’s and women’s anxiety disorders are not well understood. Biological theories have found inconclusive differences between men and women. Other theories have looked at the socio-cultural and psychological reasons for the difference. For example, women and men tend to be socialized to respond to fear differently: women are allowed to withdraw and men are encouraged to approach.
Higher rates of anxiety in women
Starting in childhood, girls have higher rates of anxiety disorders than boys. In fact, by the age of six, more girls are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. This difference continues through adolescence and into adulthood, when twice as many women have an anxiety disorder compared to men.
Differences in the way anxiety looks in women
Not only do girls and women have higher overall rates of anxiety disorders than boys and men, but they also tend to struggle with specific anxiety disorders and have a tendency toward certain symptoms or difficulties. Research in the area of anxiety disorders has revealed some differences between men and women.
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