Background: A great amount of research has been done in the area of gender and severe mental illness. However, there is an apparent lack of studies on gender differences concerning needs and care.
Aim: To analyze differences in needs and care between men and women considered to be severely mentally ill (SMI) after the 1995 Swedish mental health care reform.
Method: In one area of Sweden, surveys were made in 1995/96 and 2006 of persons considered to be SMI. These persons were interviewed and their needs assessed. In a cross-sectional study in 2006, the needs and care of men and women were compared. In a longitudinal study, men and women interviewed in both 1995/96 and 2006 were compared concerning the development of needs and care.
Results: The structure of needs differed between men and women. Men had more needs concerning functional disability and those needs seemed possible to meet in the existing service structure. Women’s needs concerning physical health, information about health and own security, seemed to be more difficult to meet. Only a few gender differences were found in satisfaction with services and service utilization.
Conclusion: It seems urgent to have a gender perspective in a needs-led mental healthcare service.
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