Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience

Women Are Unique: Contemporary Research in Mental Health for Better Realities in Female Populations

The influence of gender and sex on biological, social, and psychological processes in mental health is gaining recognition as a critical factor in research. However, much research still considers gender primarily for statistical comparison with male populations, neglecting its potential to shape unique pathways that affect mental well-being and illness in females. This collection of articles delves into the importance of addressing the distinct mental health needs of women, emphasizing the emerging field of women's mental health research. By examining gender-specific factors such as hormonal influences, social roles, and life experiences, contemporary studies aim to illuminate how these elements uniquely impact mental health in women. This focus not only enhances our understanding but also fosters the development of more effective, personalized interventions and strategies. Such targeted research efforts are essential in paving the way for improved mental health outcomes for female populations, ultimately contributing to a more equitable approach to mental health care.

Understanding gender-specific factors in mental health is crucial because it leads to more precise and effective interventions. Women's mental health issues often manifest differently due to unique hormonal, social stressors, and psychological influences. Historically, research has generalized findings from predominantly male studies, risking inadequate treatment for women. By focusing on women-specific pathways, we can address unmet needs, reduce stigma, and improve outcomes. This approach ensures that interventions consider gender differences, potentially leading to personalized care that is more effective. Moreover, it highlights social determinants and inequalities that disproportionately affect women, such as gender-based violence and caregiving roles. Recognizing these factors encourages policy changes and resource allocation that support women's mental health more comprehensively. Ultimately, this research is pivotal in fostering a more inclusive mental health care system that acknowledges and respects the diverse experiences of women, leading to healthier societies overall.

This Article Collection aims to explore the distinct mental health needs of women. It seeks to address the intersection of biological, social, and psychological influences on women's mental health. Subtopics include but is not limited to hormonal impacts on mental health, the impact of reproductive events such as pregnancy and menopause, the effects of societal roles and expectations, gender-specific stressors, migrants populations, issues of violence against women, cross-cultural issues and women’s rights, addictions and vulnerability for developing affective disorders. This collection also examines the effects of societal roles and expectations on women's mental health outcomes.

Preferred article types include Reviews, which synthesize current research and identify gaps; Original Research Articles, presenting new findings; and Perspectives that offer innovative viewpoints or theoretical models, as well as clinical cases describing specific experiences of females with different cultural backgrounds. We are particularly interested in interdisciplinary approaches that integrate insights from neuroscience, genetics, pharmacology, complex intervention programs of care, psychology, and social sciences, and we hope to advance understanding and foster the development of tailored interventions, contributing to improved mental health outcomes for women worldwide.

Dr. Xenia Gonda, MA, PharmD, PhD is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist also holding a degree in pharmacology. She works as a full time clinician in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Semmelweis University of Budapest, is engaged in teaching at the same department and also at ELTE Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest, and in research at NAP-3.0 Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group. An author of more than 300 peer-reviewed publications and several book chapters, her research interests include, among others, psychological symptoms associated with the female reproduction cycle, sex differences in affective disorders and their neurobiological bases, as well as factors determining success of IVF treatment.

Dr. Daria Smirnova, MD, PhD (Psychiatry) currently acts as an Associate Professor of Reaviz Medical University, Russia, and Board Member of Psychiatric Studies Centre, Italy.  Her main research interests focus on affective disorders and schizophrenia, in particular, the psycholinguistic approach related to these mental disorders. She has coordinated several international studies, including the COMET Big Data Study. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications, including 90 in Scopus, she has authored several influential books and chapters. She is an active member of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA Evidence based psychiatry Section, WPA Section on Women’s Mental Health), European Depression Association (EDA), International Association of Women's Mental Health (IAWMH), and other professional organizations.

Prof. Florence Thibaut is the Honorary President of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry, Past President of the International Association of Women’s Mental Health, Chair of the Women’s Mental Health Section of the World Psychiatric Association, and Editor-in-Chief of Dialogues in Clinical Neurosciences.

All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo a full peer-review; the Guest Advisor for this Collection will not be handling the manuscripts (unless they are an Editorial Board member).

Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience welcomes original Research Articles, Brief Reports, and Review/State of the Art. Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.

Please be sure to select the Article Collection 'Women Are Unique: Contemporary Research in Mental Health for Better Realities in Female Populations' from the drop-down menu in the submission system. Failure to select the appropriate Article Collection can result in delays.

Please contact Sam Zhang at sam.zhang@taylorandfrancis.com with any queries and discount codes regarding this Article Collection.