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HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 025

The graph below shows the prevalence of 12-month mental disorders (i.e. had a mental disorder in the past 12 months) by age group and gender in Australia for 2020-2022.

 

Identify two key trends in the prevalence of mental disorders shown in the graph and explain possible reasons for these patterns.   (4 marks)

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Trend 1

  • Females consistently show higher prevalence of mental disorders across all age groups compared to males, with the largest gender gap in the 16-24 age group (46% vs 32%).

Trend 2

  • Mental disorder prevalence decreases significantly with age for both genders, declining from approximately 39% in 16-24 year-olds to 6% in 75-85 year-olds.

Reasons for higher female prevalence

  • Hormonal influences during reproductive years, greater likelihood of reporting mental health symptoms, and increased exposure to social pressures including social media impacts.

Reasons for age-related decline

  • Older adults develop better coping mechanisms over time, generational differences in mental health recognition and reporting, and potential survivor bias where those with severe mental health issues may not reach older ages.

Show Worked Solution

Trend 1

  • Females consistently show higher prevalence of mental disorders across all age groups compared to males, with the largest gender gap in the 16-24 age group (46% vs 32%).

Trend 2

  • Mental disorder prevalence decreases significantly with age for both genders, declining from approximately 39% in 16-24 year-olds to 6% in 75-85 year-olds.

Reasons for higher female prevalence

  • Hormonal influences during reproductive years, greater likelihood of reporting mental health symptoms, and increased exposure to social pressures including social media impacts.

Reasons for age-related decline

  • Older adults develop better coping mechanisms over time, generational differences in mental health recognition and reporting, and potential survivor bias where those with severe mental health issues may not reach older ages.