Gender differences in common mental disorders and inequities in access to mental healthcare services in Bangladesh

Addressing these disparities requires targeted policies. We recommend expanding the female mental health workforce, integrating mental health into primary care with outreach to women, and launching anti-stigma campaigns (including digital and media-based interventions) to normalize help-seeking. These gender-sensitive strategies, alongside broader system strengthening efforts, can improve access for women and, by extension, benefit the overall population's mental health.