Anxiety can manifest differently based on gender, with societal norms and expectations playing a significant role in how individuals express and seek treatment for anxiety.

For example, men may be socialized to exhibit anxiety through behaviors such as anger, irritability, or substance abuse, while women may be more likely to express anxiety through symptoms like excessive worry, rumination, and physical complaints.

These differences in expression can impact the way anxiety is diagnosed and treated. Healthcare providers may need to be mindful of these gender-specific manifestations to ensure accurate assessment and effective intervention.

References:

• Smith, J. K. (2018). Gender differences in anxiety disorders: Prevalence, course of illness, comorbidity and burden of illness. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 95, 176-182.
• Leach, L. S., Christensen, H., Mackinnon, A. J., Windsor, T. D., & Butterworth, P. (2008). Gender differences in depression and anxiety across the adult lifespan: the role of psychosocial mediators. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 43(12), 983-998.