To better comprehend sex differences in biological responses associated with anxiety, researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine used male and female rodent models. They discovered that when a certain, life-relevant condition exists, female anxiety increases. You can read more about this study here: Animal study looks at anxiety differences between females and males
The study was led by Thatiane De Oliveira Sergio, professor of psychiatry and primary investigator at Stark Neurosciences Research Institute. She highlighted that anxiety disorders are twice more common in women than they are in men. Furthermore, societal and cultural variables are believed to have a role in the development of anxiety in women.
Considering that women experience anxiety at a higher rate than men, De Oliveira noted that many women’s responsibilities have changed as a result of the pandemic, including working remotely, teaching children in virtual school, performing daily duties, and running errands. She believes that these life-related circumstances may have exacerbated their anxiousness during this time.
Anxiety in humans might be complicated, but in animals it is entirely a biological phenomenon. By using male and female rodent models, they discovered that males and females had significantly different reactions to the most life-relevant features associated with anxiety.
In addition to performing behavioural tasks, the rodents were also given diazepam, a medicine used to treat anxiety. Researchers found that it significantly reduced anxiety in females, but had no effect on males.
De Oliveira added:
“Knowing that anxiety can manifest from different concerns in males and females, with females particularly attuned to the most life-relevant conditions, is a valuable step towards seeking better treatments based on sex differences”.
If you are someone experiencing anxiety after the lockdown, please contact us at Salus Wellness Clinics for free advice and to explore possible solutions we can offer.