Breaking the Bias: Toward Gender-Sensitive Diagnosis and Treatment in Mental Health and Neurodevelopment

Epidemiology has long suggested that some mental and neurodevelopmental disorders are “typical” for boys, such as ADHD or autism, while others, including depression or anorexia, are more often linked to girls. But are these differences true reflections of biology, or echoes of bias embedded in research, diagnostic criteria, and clinical expectations? Our webinar lead by Professor Małgorzata Lipowska, psychologist whose work bridges scientific research and professional practice, will confront gender bias in psychology diagnosis and care.

This webinar is a part of a series of guest workshops organised by the Centre for Gender and Science (Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences) given by international experts intended to mainstream gender dimension in research and bring best practices and interesting examples into the Czech scientific context.

The primary target groups are experts and scientists within the particular field. However, the lecture is open to anyone beyond the field of mental health and neurodevelopment, offering inspiration on how to incorporate the gender dimension into historical research.

When: 15. 4. 2025, 13:00-14:15 CET
Where: The interactive webinar will take place online. You will be sent a Zoom invitation before the event. Registration will close on the 13th of April 2026.

Epidemiology has long suggested that some mental and neurodevelopmental disorders are “typical” for boys, such as ADHD or autism, while others, including depression or anorexia, are more often linked to girls. But are these differences true reflections of biology, or echoes of bias embedded in research, diagnostic criteria, and clinical expectations?

Much of our knowledge has been shaped by who was studied, how symptoms were defined, and which developmental pathways were considered normative. As a result, gender-specific expressions of distress or difficulty may remain unseen, misunderstood, or mislabeled. Sadness, for example, does not always cry—it may shout, withdraw, mask, or overcompensate. When clinical images are filtered through stereotypes, some individuals are overlooked while others are diagnosed too quickly. This raises fundamental questions about fairness, accuracy, and sensitivity in psychological diagnosis and care.

Confronting gender bias is therefore not only a scientific task, but an ethical imperative for more inclusive and responsive mental health support.

Prof. Małgorzata Lipowska is a psychologist and professor whose work bridges scientific research and professional practice. For over 20 years she has been affiliated with the University of Gdańsk, where she serves as the Director of the Institute of Psychology. Her academic and teaching activities focus on strengthening links between research and the everyday practice of psychologists, psychotherapists, and educators. 

Her research integrates developmental psychology, clinical psychology, and the psychology of corporeality, with particular attention to body image formation and the impact of air pollution on the developing brain.

She holds the position of Professor of Social Sciences (Psychology) and is actively involved in academic leadership, teaching, and professional training. Alongside her university roles, she serves as Provincial Consultant in Clinical Psychology, contributing to the development and quality of clinical psychological practice.

Her work has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards. In 2025, she received the Award of the Polish Minister of Education and Science for significant achievements in scientific activity. In 2024, she was honoured with the Rector’s Joanna Schopenhauer Award (University of Gdańsk) for integrating a gender perspective into research. Earlier distinctions include the 1st degree Rector’s Award of the University of Gdańsk (2023) and two Awards of the Polish Minister of Education and Science in 2022, recognising significant achievements in organisational and educational activities.

More information can be found on Professors’ website. (ORCID: 0000-0002-7422-159X).

If you have any questions, you can reach our Barbora Veselá at [email protected].

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This event is supported by the CZERA shared activities project funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (identification code MS2103).