Introduction
摘要
Most current psychiatric approaches still rely on Karl Jaspers’ early twentieth-century model of descriptive psychopathology, which does not account for gender as a factor in understanding mental illness. Although Jaspers emphasized the link between life experiences and mental symptoms, the lack of a gender perspective remains a major gap. Professor Berrios argues that psychopathology should evolve with changing social, cultural, and historical dynamics—including gender. Gender is a fundamental part of human identity from birth, yet Western culture often imposes a rigid binary model. Despite its influence on health outcomes, gender is frequently ignored in psychiatric research and practice. Studies show that gender traits, such as masculinity or femininity, can significantly affect morbidity and mortality, regardless of biological sex. Historically, psychiatry has misrepresented women, attributing their psychological struggles to outdated and sexist theories. Scholars like Phyllis Chesler have shown how gender bias shaped psychiatric diagnoses and treatments. Incorporating gender into psychopathology offers a more accurate and inclusive understanding of mental health. The World Health Organization has recognized gender as a key social determinant of health. A gender-aware approach considers the interplay of biological, social, and cultural factors in shaping mental illness. Ignoring gender in research leads to flawed data and reinforces harmful biases, particularly the assumption of male superiority. Ultimately, incorporating gender into psychiatry is not about rejecting traditional models, but enriching them with a broader, more accurate perspective. This requires acknowledging that symptoms are influenced by individual biographies within their cultural and historical contexts and recognizing gender as central to understanding mental health.