Oxford Textbook of Women and Mental Health

Gender and mental health is a growing field in psychiatry. Although women's specific mental health problems have been described for hundreds of years, it is in the last two centuries and especially in the last 3 to 4 decades that research in many different aspects of women's mental health has bloomed. We have gained better understanding of the psychological, social and cultural aspects of mental health problems in women. We have seen epidemiological data describe increased frequency of different clinical aspects of many psychiatric disorders. We have learned about biological and especially endocrinological concomitants of mental health problems in women. In addition, we have been able to describe, classify and circumscribe different diagnoses as they appear in the female gender. Eating disorders, perinatal psychiatric disorders, consequences of different types of abuse have gained better understanding in the last decades and we have been able to delve into the social, parental and personal consequences of the mental health problems.The Oxford Textbook of Women and Mental Health brings a balanced understanding of different aspects of gender and mental health. It summarizes the clinical issues and mental health problems as faced today. The first part of the book is dedicated to fundamental aspects in women's mental health. It covers topics from Women's health as a global issue to different medical, psychological theories, giving an overview of gender in mental health. The second part of the book examines clinical aspects of women and mental health. In part three, special clinical topics such as PTSD, self harm, menopause, violence and their management are investigated. Part four focuses on parental psychiatric disorders clarifying how mental health and behavioural problems in children could be a marker or a consequence of maternal distress. The final two parts look at the topics of women and disability and legislation and policy.A book of exceptional scope and depth, this volume will be essential for all those health professionals involved in managing mental health problems in women