Women and schizophrenia: a review.
OBJECTIVE
This is a selective review article which aims to explore current areas of research involving women with schizophrenia and to identify areas requiring future research.


METHODS
Research studies conducted both nationally and internationally are reviewed with an emphasis on a gender-based approach.


RESULTS
The review is divided into three sections. First there is an introduction including a brief consideration of the possible reasons for the noted lack of studies focussing on women with schizophrenia and a summary of the epidemiological evidence that has prompted interest in gender-based schizophrenia research. Second, there is a review of some studies that utilise gender as a paradigm to understand the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and third, a discussion of the role of gender in management approaches is presented.


CONCLUSIONS
The main conclusion is that women have not been well represented in schizophrenia research. Female-specific management issues and a better understanding of the impact of schizophrenia on women require more gender-based research.
Kulkarni
J
J
Monash University Research Group For Women's Mental Health, c/o Dandenong Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Victoria, Australia.
D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D012106:Research; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones