Women’s Mental Health: From Adolescence to Adulthood
Chapter from the book:
Aydın Doğan,
R.
&
Hüseyinoğlu,
S.
(eds.)
2025.
Multidimensional Approaches in Midwifery: From Clinic to Community.
Synopsis
Women’s mental health is a multidimensional construct shaped by the dynamic interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. This book chapter examines mental health problems encountered by women across the life span, focusing on childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. During childhood, the short- and long-term psychological effects of abuse, neglect, and violence, as well as their impact on attachment disorders and sexual identity development, are discussed, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and multisectoral prevention strategies. In adolescence, issues affecting both mental and reproductive health—such as substance use disorders, eating disorders, and adolescent pregnancies—are addressed, with an evaluation of their biopsychosocial risk factors and long-term consequences. In adulthood, mental health conditions more prevalent among women, including depression, anxiety disorders, suicidal behaviors, substance use disorders, and sexual dysfunctions, are comprehensively reviewed. Additionally, the effects of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual mood changes on women’s mental health are discussed in relation to hormonal fluctuations and quality of life. Overall, the chapter highlights the importance of early identification of women-specific mental health problems, the development of gender-sensitive mental health services, and the strengthening of preventive and protective approaches. From this perspective, the chapter concludes that women’s mental health should be addressed through a holistic and life course–based framework.
