Exploring Gender Differences in Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders: A Decade of Research

TL;DR

This review summarizes gender differences in adolescent psychiatric disorders over the past decade and highlights the need for gender-sensitive mental health approaches.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of gender-specific patterns in adolescent psychiatric disorders to guide clinical practice.

Findings

Girls show higher levels of depression, anxiety, and eating disorder symptoms compared to boys.

Boys have higher prevalence of externalising and neurobehavioural disorders.

Girls report higher rates of self-harm and suicidal ideation.

Abstract

What are the main findings?
Adolescence is a developmental phase characterised by profound biological, emotional and social changes and these changes make adolescents particularly vulnerable to the emergence of psychiatric disorders. In this context, gender differences in psychiatric disorders are of increasing clinical interest.This review reports on the main gender differences in psychiatric disorders in adolescence. The results demonstrate the need to develop gender-sensitive clinical approaches in psychiatric disorders in order to facilitate prevention, diagnosis and targeted interventions.

Adolescence is a developmental phase characterised by profound biological, emotional and social changes and these changes make adolescents particularly vulnerable to the emergence of psychiatric disorders. In this context, gender differences in psychiatric disorders are of increasing clinical interest.

This review reports on the main gender differences in psychiatric disorders in adolescence. The results demonstrate the need to develop gender-sensitive clinical approaches in psychiatric disorders in order to facilitate prevention, diagnosis and targeted interventions.

What are the implications of the main findings?
It is crucial that mental health professionals adopt a personalised and culturally sensitive approach that takes into account the adolescent’s gender identity and social context. Furthermore, it is necessary that screening, assessment and care protocols are updated to intercept early signs of distress based on gender-specific modes of expression.

It is crucial that mental health professionals adopt a personalised and culturally sensitive approach that takes into account the adolescent’s gender identity and social context. Furthermore, it is necessary that screening, assessment and care protocols are updated to intercept early signs of distress based on gender-specific modes of expression.

Background: Adolescence is a developmental phase characterised by profound biological, emotional and social changes and these changes make adolescents particularly vulnerable to the emergence of psychiatric disorders. In this context, gender differences in mental health disorders are of increasing clinical interest. Method: We conducted a scoping review of the literature regarding gender differences in psychiatric disorders during adolescence. Three databases, PubMed, Web of Science and EBSCO, were used to identify articles published in English from 2015 until 2025. Twenty-one studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results: Ten studies deal with mood disorders, with a focus on gender differences in depression and anxiety during adolescence. Two articles analyse eating disorders, highlighting that girls show higher levels of food restriction and body dissatisfaction. Two studies focus on externalising and neurobehavioural disorders, showing a higher prevalence in boys than in girls. Four articles examine self-harm and suicidal behaviour, where girls report higher rates of suicidal ideation and self-harm. Finally, two studies address personality disorders in adolescence, noting a higher incidence of borderline traits and impulsive behaviour among girls. Conclusions: Research has revealed gender differences in the onset, frequency and factors associated with psychiatric disorders in adolescence. Understanding these differences is essential for developing prevention strategies, early diagnosis and specific interventions.

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