ABSTRACT
Even the most cursory glance at the take-up of psychiatric services suggests that there is a difference between the sexes in the distribution of pathology (Klerman and Weissman, 1980; Goldman and Ravid, 1980) diagnosis (Warner, 1979; Whitley, 1979), and treatment offered (Chesler, 1973; Cooperstock, 1979; Tudor et al., 1977). Why is this so, and what are the consequences for clients and therapists? The chapter attempts to offer some answers to these questions, by examining the meaning of each of the differences. Because of the large number of observations that can be made regarding both sexual differences and feminism on the one hand, and mental health and pathology on the other, some theoretical or organisational framework is needed. The most helpful framework that we have found which organises our observations into an explanatory and practical format, is feminist psychotherapy. The first part of this chapter will therefore consist of an outline of feminist psychotherapy, and the insights it offers to an understanding of female psychology and therapy. This will be followed by an overview of the particular issues which characterize the difference between women's and men's experience of mental health.
