Anxiety Acuity Across Gender Identities in Young Adults Seeking Mental Health Treatment

Authors: Brianna Cerrito (MS), The Dorm, New York City and Washington, D.C. Jamie Xiao (BA), The Dorm, New York City and Washington, D.C. Amie DiTomasso (LICSW, MPH), The Dorm, New York City and Washington, D.C. Amanda Fialk (PhD, LCSW, LICSW), The Dorm, New York City and Washington, D.C. Frank D. Buono (PhD) Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT

Date: April 2024

Presented at the Anxiety and Depression Association of America Annual Conference, (Boston, MA)

Read Time: 1 minute

Share:

Introduction

Understanding how mental health symptoms present across gender identities is essential for providing effective and inclusive care. This study examined anxiety acuity among young adults receiving intensive outpatient treatment at The Dorm, with a specific focus on differences in symptom presentation across genders.

Summary of Findings

Results identified meaningful differences in how anxiety symptoms present across gender identities. Gender-diverse individuals and cisgender female clients were more likely to report elevated anxiety symptoms compared to other groups. These patterns underscore the importance of targeted screening and early intervention strategies tailored to populations at higher risk for anxiety-related distress.

Findings also suggest that gender-diverse individuals may mask or express anxiety in less typical ways, highlighting the need for clinicians to move beyond surface-level cues and engage in comprehensive, affirming assessment practices. Overall, the results emphasize the value of gender-informed approaches to mental health evaluation and treatment planning for young adults.

Study of gender differences in anxiety and depression among young adults in treatment

References

Load More +