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Gender differences in the use of outpatient mental health services

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Abstract

Current economic constraints necessitats careful planning and evaluation of mental health services. Gender differences in need and use of outpatient mental health services are synthesized based on current epidemiological research. Although overall prevalence rates of mental disorder are similar, women use more outpatient mental health services than do men. This disparity exists largely within the primary care sector. The study of social roles and behavior may help explain these gender differences. Implications for planning and organizing outpatient mental health services are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Health Systems Research Unit, Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Unviersity of Toronto, 250 College Street, M5T 1R8, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Anne Rhodes R.N., M.Sc. (Research Fellow)

  2. the Health Systems Research Unit of the Clarke Insitute of Psychiatry, Canada

    Paula Goering R.N., Ph.D. (the director)

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  1. Anne Rhodes R.N., M.Sc.
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  2. Paula Goering R.N., Ph.D.
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Rhodes, A., Goering, P. Gender differences in the use of outpatient mental health services. The Journal of Mental Health Administration 21, 338–346 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02521353

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