Gender differences in the clinical manifestations and course of schizophrenia: neurobiological and psychosocial aspects

Abstract

The paper discusses gender differences in the clinic presentations, course and outcomes of schizophrenia from the standpoint of a biopsychosocial approach. It reviews foreign publications on this matter. Neuromorphological and hormonal factors in gender differences are given paramount consideration in foreign countries. The author presents the results of his own empirical studies in this area. It is concluded that psychosocial factors and traditional gender stereotypes play a no less important role in gender differences in schizophrenia rather than hormonal and neuromorphological factors.

Keywords

• gender
• schizophrenia
• estrogens
• psychopathology
• compliance
• gender stereotypes