Brain imaging study finds large sex-differences in regions tied to mental health

“A new study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, has uncovered significant sex-related differences in the brain’s subcortical gray matter. These differences were found in areas like the hippocampus, thalamus, and amygdala — regions critical to functions such as memory, emotion regulation, and sensory processing. The findings not only contribute to our understanding of brain anatomy but also hint at possible connections between these structural differences and varying susceptibility to mental health disorders.

Sex differences in mental health are well-documented: women are more likely to experience anxiety and mood disorders, while men are more frequently diagnosed with conditions like autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and antisocial behavior. Despite these known patterns, the underlying reasons for these differences remain poorly understood. Some researchers have speculated that these disparities could be rooted in the brain’s structure, but previous studies have primarily focused on larger, more visible aspects of brain anatomy, such as overall brain volume.”

Read the full article at PsyPost

 

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