Illness In Women Research Articles

Portrayals of Mental Illnesses in Women’s and Men’s Magazines in the United States

Mental illness is a serious health risk in the United States. People suffering from mental illnesses are often subjective to gender-specific stigma and stereotypes. Based on theories of agenda setting, framing, and stigma communication, this study compares the portrayal of mental illnesses in women’s and men’s lifestyle and health magazines between 2009 and 2013 through a content analysis. It finds that women’s magazines tend to present a more positive coverage of mental illnesses by citing patients, adopting human interest discourse, and using challenge cues such as hope than men’s magazines. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Anorexia nervosa and dissociative disorders in males: A case report

IntroductionThere is a low prevalence of eating disorders among men. In many cases, the disorder arises as a means of avoiding psychosocial maturation. Various psychiatric comorbidities such as depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder are frequently found in these patients.ObjectivesTo analyze psychiatric symptoms in relation to a case of anorexia nervosa.MethodsPubmed revision on clinical presentation of anorexia nervosa in male. Review of patient medical records.ResultsA 23-years-old male with diagnosis of restricting anorexia nervosa was treated and followed since 2012. In July 2015, the patient, who was clinically stabilized for a year, had decreased gradually intake. Suddenly he showed a decreased consciousness, followed by an absence of response and mutism that motivated hospital admission. The diagnosis was dissociative stupor. A research in women with eating disorders shows a prevalence of pathological dissociation between 4.8 and 48.6%. After recovering a normal consciousness, he presented clinical features of anorexia nervosa according DSM 5 criteria. The patient remained two months until he reached his previous BMI (17) to continue an outcome treatment. Despite of several years of specific treatment for anorexia nervosa, both parents and patient still did not accept the diagnosis. Cultural constructions of eating disorders as a “women's illness” mean that men may fail to recognise their disorder.ConclusionsThere is a delay of diagnosis of anorexia nervosa in men. The lack of research on men's experiences and the cultural construction of anorexia nervosa as a female problem may contribute to underdiagnose eating disorders in men.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The illness of women and men with sickle cell disease: a Grounded Theory study.

Objective: to understand the meanings given by women and men with sickle cell disease on the illness experience. Method: analytical study with a qualitative approach, conducted with 17 adults with sickle cell disease using the Theory Based on Data, or Grounded Theory, as theoretical-methodological referential. Data were collected between the years of 2012 and 2013, in an individual in-depth interview. All the interviews were recorded and analyzed according to the Grounded Theory comparative analysis technique. Results: data show four categories which group the experience of illness, the feelings experienced and the path to living with sickle cell disease. Conclusions: it was possible to understand that the experience was built by a process in which these people redefined the meaning of their lives, applying new directions to life and to care regarding the experience of the illness. In the context of chronic disease, the nurse's care is also seen in this study as a foundation, providing attention, directions, and guidance through the required confrontations. Understanding the experience lived by these people, it is possible to enlarge the dimensions and the essence of nursing care required throughout life.

Sick Healers: Chronic Affliction and the Authority of Experience at an Ethiopian Hospital

ABSTRACTAt fistula hospitals in Ethiopia, patients who are not cured of their incontinence are hired as “nurse aides” to perform essential nursing duties in the ward and operating theater. An array of tensions surrounds the work of these women, tensions that are emblematic of their chronic—but secret—patient status. If accidentally disclosed, the women's ongoing illness episodes sabotage their ability to administer treatment, such as injections. In contrast to classic anthropological accounts of wounded healers and therapeutic narratives about the virtues of experience‐based care, I argue in this article that illness experience can also have a profoundly delegitimizing effect. Rather than attributing these dynamics to the alleged stigma that surrounds obstetric fistula sufferers, I delineate the various challenges to clinical authority that are epitomized by the figure of the sick healer. Nurse aides’ experiences with obstetric fistula proved to be a liability precisely because these experiences had not been resolved. Their chronic injuries raised questions both about their medical training and the efficacy of surgery. Attending to these Ethiopian health practitioners can hone our grasp of the professional dilemmas posed by chronic afflictions and contribute to our understanding of available ideologies at play in the global practice of biomedicine. [chronic illness, experience, healing, obstetric fistula, Ethiopia]

Czynniki determinujące akceptację choroby przez kobiety leczone z powodu zmian patologicznych szyjki macicy

Czynniki determinujące akceptację choroby przez kobiety leczone z powodu zmian patologicznych szyjki macicy

“It's not healthy and it's decidedly not masculine”: a media analysis of UK newspaper representations of eating disorders in males

ObjectivesRecent qualitative research found young men reporting that an expectation that eating disorders (EDs) mainly affect young women led them, and others, to only recognise their symptoms when their ED...

Health as Submission and Social Responsibilities: Embodied Experiences of Javanese Women With Type II Diabetes.

By examining women's experiences with type II diabetes, we explore how illness can provide resources to construct meanings of everyday life in Javanese culture. We conducted in-depth interviews with 30 female participants in Central Java, Indonesia, and adopted grounded theory for data analysis. We identified four themes that diabetes serves as resources for women in Indonesia to (a) normalize suffering, (b) resist social control, (c) accept fate, and (d) validate faith. We concluded by noting three unique aspects of Javanese women's illness management. First, through the performance of submission, our participants demonstrated spirituality and religiosity as essential elements of health. Second, diabetes empowers individuals in everyday suffering through two divergent processes: embracing submission and resisting control. Finally, diabetes provides opportunities for individuals within a social network to (re)negotiate social responsibilities. In summary, diabetes provides unique resources to empower our participants to obtain voices that they otherwise would not have had.

Factoring in the Cost of Violence: the Relevance of Family Violence in Determining Property Settlements Under the Family Law Act

There is now a strong body of research, which shows that the impacts of family violence go beyond emotional and physical harm, and that family violence has significant economic implications for individuals, families and the community, particularly women. For example, violence is the key cause of women’s homelessness in Australia, and a leading cause of preventable death, disability and illness for women. It has also been found to have significant implications for women’s engagement in education and employment. Studies have also shown that the experience of severe spousal violence is linked to poorer outcomes for women when negotiating family law property settlements. Despite this, the Family Law Act 1975 does not explicitly deal with the relevance of family violence in family law property disputes, and the case law dealing with this issue has proven for many to be unclear and inaccessible. The purpose of this paper is to refocus attention and reinvigorate discussion on this issue, and to highlight what more can and should be done to improve legal responses to violence in the context of family law property proceedings. The paper looks firstly at the development of jurisprudence in the family law courts on this issue; then based on a review of recent first-instance judgments, looks at how this has been put into practice in recent times. Finally, I set out some options for reform to improve the family law system’s response to the relevance of family violence in determining property settlements under the Family Law Act.

Designs of two randomized, community-based trials to assess the impact of influenza immunization during pregnancy on respiratory illness among pregnant women and their infants and reproductive outcomes in rural Nepal.

BackgroundAmong the most important causes of illness and death in both pregnant women and their newborn infants are respiratory infections including influenza. Pregnant women in North America have a 4 to 5 fold excess rate of hospitalization compared to non-pregnant women. Rates of infant hospitalization associated with influenza are much higher than in their mothers. Fully half of children hospitalized for influenza in the US are in the age group 0–5 months, a group where no vaccine is licensed. Data on influenza are much fewer in low income countries where the risks of serious morbidity and mortality are much higher. A recent trial in Bangladesh suggested that influenza immunization in pregnant women could have important protective effects against influenza in both mothers and their infants. These trials were designed to provide additional evidence about the effect of influenza vaccination in pregnancy in settings where influenza may circulate for up to ten months/year.Methods/DesignWe conducted a consecutive pair of community-based, placebo-controlled, randomized trials of influenza vaccination of pregnant women in a rural district in southern Nepal. Two trials were conducted to insure, as much as possible, the match of circulating strains with those included in the vaccine. Eligible women included all who were or became pregnant over a one year period. Each trial included a one year cohort of pregnant women who were individually randomized to the influenza vaccine available at the time of their enrollment or placebo. Exclusions included a history of allergy to vaccine components, prior influenza vaccine receipt, and for the second trial, participation in the first trial. Morbidity was assessed on a weekly basis for women throughout pregnancy and through 180 days post-partum. Infants were followed weekly through 180 days. Primary outcomes included: 1) incidence of influenza like illness in women, 2) incidence of laboratory confirmed influenza illness in infants, and 3) birthweight among newborn infants.DiscussionWe have presented the design and methods of two randomized trials of influenza immunization of pregnant women.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov: (NCT01034254).

Women with Serious Mental Illness in Therapy: Intersectional Perspectives

The definition and treatment of serious mental illness in women have been crucial issues for feminist therapy. Women with serious mental illness experience elevated rates of abuse, trauma, poverty,...

Social and legal aspects of marriage in women with mental illness in India.

The institution of marriage in Hindus is regulated by the prevailing social norms and the Hindu Marriage Act (HMA), 1955. Married women with mental illness are heavily discriminated. This paper examines the social and legal aspects of Hindu marriage in women with mental illness. The HMA, 1955 lays down the conditions for a Hindu marriage and also provides matrimonial reliefs: Nullity of marriage, restitution of conjugal rights, judicial separation and divorce. The application of the provisions of HMA in the setting mental illness is difficult and challenging. There is a wide gap between the legislative provisions of HMA, and societal value systems and attitudes towards marriage in Indian society. Societal norms are powerful and often override the legal provisions. The disparities are most glaring in the setting of mental illness in women. This is a reflection of social stigma for mental illness and patriarchal attitude towards women. Concerted efforts are needed to bridge the gap between the legislative provisions of HMA and societal value systems and attitudes toward marriage. Awareness programs regarding the nature and types of mental illness, advances in treatment and information about good outcome of severe mental illness will be helpful. Improvement in moral and religious values will overcome to some extent the negative attitudes and patriarchal mind set toward married women with mental illness.

Absent organs—Present selves: Exploring embodiment and gender identity in young Norwegian women's accounts of hysterectomy

In this paper, we explore how younger women in Norway construct their embodiment and sense of self after hysterectomy. To do this, we conducted in-depth interviews with eight ethnic Norwegian women aged between 25 and 43 who had undergone hysterectomy. In line with a broad phenomenological approach to illness, the study was designed to explore the trajectories of the women's illness with a specific focus on concrete human experience and identity claims from a subjective point of view. In analysing the stories, we encountered feelings of suffering due to the loss of the uterus as well as profound side-effects, such as menopause. However, we also found evidence of relief from being treated for heavy bleeding and serious illness. In order to accentuate the individual voices in these illness stories, we chose a case-oriented analysis in line with Radley and Chamberlain (2001) and Riessman (2008). From this, two main seemingly contradictory storylines stood out: They have removed what made me a woman versus Without a uterus, I feel more like a woman. We also identified heteronormativity as an unstated issue in both these storylines and in the research data as a whole. Acknowledging diversity in the way women experience hysterectomy is important for a better understanding of the ways in which hysterectomy may affect women as humans as well as for developing more cultural competent healthcare services for this group.

An EMIC Classification of Women's Illnesses through Pile Sorting Technique

An EMIC Classification of Women's Illnesses through Pile Sorting Technique

Women’s Liberation: The Effects of Patriarchal Oppression on Women’s Mind

The present paper analyzed the sufferings of female characters in The Awakening and The Yellow Wall Paper. It attempts to examine the effects of suppression on women mental health which drive them to commit suicide in order to liberate themselves from male dominance society and the role of suppression in madness which also a one way of liberation for women. Olaussen (1992) Three Types of Feminist Criticism and the French philosopher Foucault (1964) Madness and Civilization theory concepts nominated as a guideline for this study. A similar thread runs through The Awakening and The Yellow Wallpaper, 'women's mental illness. Both protagonists of the two texts struggle for their liberty and freedom. Edna is bolder and more expressive while the narrator of The Yellow Wallpaper is submissive. Ultimately both married women manage to secure a different ground for themselves.

Exploring psychosis and bipolar disorder in women: a critical review of the qualitative literature.

BackgroundThe experiences of women with severe mental illness warrant particular consideration to identify the strategies they use to facilitate recovery. This review systematically examined women’s experiences of psychosis and bipolar disorder.MethodsFollowing an extensive database search, 13 studies met inclusion criteria. Noblit and Hare’s metasynthesis approach was used to synthesise these qualitative studies exploring the experiences of 250 women, of which 78 (31.2%) were also mothers.ResultsTwelve sub-ordinate themes were identified and categorised into three overarching themes: 1) women’s beliefs about illness, 2) perceived consequences of illness, and 3) strategies used to cope with illness. Contextual factors and spiritual beliefs were found to be important in these women’s illness appraisals. Women incorporated diagnosis-related information into illness models if it was concordant with their existing beliefs.ConclusionsWomen reported negative illness consequences relating to stigma, loss of self-determination and changes to relationships. They employed various strategies in order to cope with illness. Barriers to strategy use and clinical recommendations are presented.

Clinical course of illness in women with early onset puerperal psychosis: a 12-year follow-up study.

To complete a follow-up analysis at a mean of 12 years after patients had presented with an early onset puerperal psychotic index episode. A retrospective design was used. Patients with puerperal psychosis and onset within 4 weeks after childbirth who had been referred to the Psychiatric Department of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany, between 1975 and 1995 (maximum: 24 years, minimum: 7 years) were followed up after a mean of 12 years post index episode. Ninety patients were included in the study. Before the index episode, 35 of the patients had previous nonpuerperal psychoses, while 55 patients presented their index episode as the first manifestation of a psychotic illness. Diagnostic evaluation at follow-up was performed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders according to DSM-IV-TR. Differential rates of risk of psychotic relapse were calculated. Data on some gynecologic variables (postpartum blues, premenstrual tension, psychiatric symptoms triggered perimenstrually, mood symptoms while taking oral contraceptives) were collected. Clinical and psychosocial outcomes were measured by the Global Assessment Scale and Disability Assessment Scale. Patients who presented with major depression and bipolar affective disorder with psychotic features at the initial index episode showed overall diagnostic stability. Many patients with initial brief psychosis (cycloid psychosis) shifted to a clear bipolar affective disorder. The general risk of a psychotic relapse was high (previous psychosis = 0.77 vs first psychotic manifestation = 0.56; not significant). The risk after further pregnancies was 0.57 versus 0.48, respectively (not significant), and the risk regarding at least 1 other psychotic nonindex episode was 0.71 versus 0.44, respectively (P = .015). Gynecologic variables did not significantly discriminate between the groups. In some patients, a possible link to a hormonal susceptibility was discussed. Patients who remained without any further psychotic relapse (n = 24) had a favorable outcome. Puerperal psychosis of an early onset seemed to be of a prevailing affective nature. Brief psychosis (cycloid psychosis) during a puerperal index episode showed a strong link to bipolar affective disorder in the further course of illness. Outcome was excellent in patients without a further psychotic relapse.

PIH17 - The Prevalence and Cost of Illness in Women With Endometriosis in Ukraine

PIH17 - The Prevalence and Cost of Illness in Women With Endometriosis in Ukraine

The case for early intervention to reduce the impact of intimate partner abuse on child outcomes: results of an Australian cohort of first-time mothers.

Intimate partner abuse is a major contributor to death, disability, and illness in women of childbearing age, but little is known about population level impact on children. Prospective pregnancy cohort of 1,507 first-time mothers recruited from six public hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Follow-up included validated measures of intimate partner abuse at 1 and 4 years (Composite Abuse Scale) and child emotional and behavioral difficulties at 4 years (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). Twenty-nine percent of mothers reported partner abuse in the first 4 years postpartum: 20 percent reported abuse in the first year and 21 percent at 4 years; 12 percent of mothers reported abuse at both time points. Children of mothers reporting abuse at both times were more likely to experience emotional and/or behavioral difficulties at age 4, compared to children of mothers not reporting abuse, after adjusting for maternal depressive symptoms, relationship transitions and other social characteristics (Adj. OR 2.6 [95% CI 1.2-5.5]). Intimate partner abuse impacted the lives of one in four children. Children of mothers reporting abuse at both time points were at most risk of emotional/behavioral difficulties. The case for early intervention to reduce the impact of intimate partner abuse on women's and children's lives is compelling.

From Asylums to Jails: The Prevailing Impact on Female Offenders

More than half of prisoners who are in city or county jails have a mental illness, a higher number than persons incarcerated in state and federal prisons (James & Glaze, 2006). More important, 75% of jailed female offenders have a mental illness compared to 63% of their male counterparts. By their very nature, jails are dramatically different compared to prisons. Persons in jails are there temporarily or are serving a relatively short sentence, normally a year or less. Thus, jails have higher daily admissions and releases of offenders than prisons. Jail administrators and correctional officers are also more often confronted with inmates whose mental stability deteriorates faster upon their incarceration. Quickly identifying mentally ill inmates, particularly those who are suicidal, is essential in order to provide timely intervention and manage this population. This article provides an in-depth examination of women's mental illnesses and etiology. It also provides a critical analysis of risk factors and assessment tools that jail staff and administrators may use to help identify mentally ill female inmates. The article concludes with a discussion of postrelease issues and programs.

Patterns of Emotional Expression and Responses to Health and Illness in Women With Functional Voice Disorders (MTVD) and a Comparison Group

To determine whether emotional expression, alexithymia, illness behavior, and coping strategies differed between women with muscle tension voice disorder (MTVD) and those without voice disorder and between women with and without mucosal pathology of the vocal folds, and to explore possible links between psychosocial constructs and clinical features in women with MTVD. A within-subjects design matched 20 women with MTVD and 20 women without voice disorder on validated self-report measures of the psychosocial constructs. The effect of mucosal pathology was assessed using between-groups analyses. Correlations assessed relationships between psychosocial constructs and clinical features. Comparisons between women with MTVD and those without voice disorder showed an elevated sense of illness identity and greater belief in the presence of somatic illness in women with MTVD. There was a trend toward women with MTVD showing lower levels of emotional awareness. Women without vocal fold pathology reported lower levels of emotional awareness than those with pathology, whereas women with pathology reported greater use of a mixed pattern of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies than those with no pathology. Low vocal load was associated with higher scores on alexithymia, higher numbers of vocal symptoms were associated with the use of adaptive coping, and greater impact of symptoms was associated with higher levels of emotional awareness and greater belief in the presence of somatic illness. These findings encourage further investigation of relationships between emotional awareness, illness behavior, and coping in women with functional voice disorders.