Mental disorders are a staggering concern worldwide, contributing substantially to the global disease burden. Current data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 identify depressive and anxiety disorders as two of the most debilitating mental health issues, consistently ranking among the top 25 causes of disability globally. Disturbingly, prevalence rates of these disorders are higher among women than men, with significant disparities highlighted by Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs).

In the Arab world, the situation is particularly dire. Women are generally at a greater risk of suffering from mental health disorders, as demonstrated by varying research outcomes that report depression rates among Arab women ranging from 6% to a staggering 32%. A recent study in Saudi Arabia revealed that over one-third (38.1%) of surveyed women exhibited moderate to severe psychological distress, underscoring the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions.

Key Factors Influencing Mental Health

Several factors contribute to these troubling trends. Biological differences tied to hormonal variances in females may predispose them to anxiety and depression. Additionally, socio-cultural factors—such as domestic violence, household responsibilities, and economic stress—further aggravate mental health issues. Unemployment and low educational attainment have also been correlated with higher incidences of psychological distress among women.

A telling cross-sectional study in Jordan pinpointed diverse psychosocial risk factors impacting mental health in women, including financial hardships, serious health issues, and family disruptions. Furthermore, the interplay between chronic physical health conditions, such as diabetes and coronary heart disease, and mental disorders has been well-documented. In particular, evidence indicates a strong link between diabetes and depression among Arab women.

Domestic Violence and Polygamy: Major Contributors

Specific socio-cultural and gender-based disadvantages emerge as critical players in the mental health landscape for Saudi women. Exposure to domestic violence significantly increases the risk of mental disorders. Alarmingly, women who report experiencing violence—even infrequently—show considerably elevated odds of developing anxiety and depression. Similarly, the complications associated with polygamous marriages have been correlated with poor mental health outcomes compared to their monogamous counterparts.

Seeking Treatment: A Worrying Trend

Despite the prevalence of mental health disorders, treatment-seeking behavior remains critically low. Just 13.8% of women with 12-month mental disorders and 26.2% with lifetime disorders sought help. This trend raises significant concerns regarding stigma and cultural barriers, which might discourage women from accessing mental health care.

Insights from the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS)