Breaking the Bias: Toward Gender-Sensitive Diagnosis and Treatment in Mental Health and Neurodevelopment
The Centre for Gender and Science organised a webinar entitled Breaking the Bias: Toward Gender-Sensitive Diagnosis and Treatment in Mental Health and Neurodevelopment on 15 April 2026, led by Prof. Małgorzata Lipowska. The event formed part of NKC’s educational activities aimed at integrating the gender dimension into research within the Czech scientific community.
In the webinar titled Breaking the Bias: Toward Gender-Sensitive Diagnosis and Treatment in Mental Health and Neurodevelopment, prof. Lipowska explored the importance of integrating gender dimension into both research and clinical practice. She structured her talk around three areas of her expertise: mental health, neurodevelopment and the psychology of corporeality, approached from both clinical and developmental perspectives.
The webinar emphasized that psychological knowledge and diagnostic practices are not neutral, but shaped by historical biases in who was studied and how “normal” development was defined. Prof. Lipowska pointed out that certain diagnoses—like ADHD or autism—are more commonly associated with boys, while others, such as depression, are linked to girls and women.
This raised the question of whether observed differences reflect actual biology or rather biases embedded in research and clinical expectations. In summary, while there are clear sex and gender differences in mental health, partially rooted in biology, prof. Lipowska highlighted that gender bias emerges when these biological differences are overemphasized in research and diagnosis.
Because symptoms can manifest differently across genders, some forms of distress may be overlooked, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed—thereby maintaining or even widening existing gaps in diagnosis and care.
In the course of the discussion, it was highlighted that greater awareness is needed of how social roles and expectations shape the clinical picture and can lead to misdiagnosis. In addition, concrete steps to address these challenges were discussed, such as critically reflecting on existing diagnostic criteria and refining their description to improve accuracy and inclusiveness.
Overall, the webinar underscored that addressing gender bias in mental health is essential not only for improving scientific accuracy, but also as an ethical responsibility to ensure fair treatment and equal access to healthcare.
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 can be found on her website.
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).