Influence of gender on social outcome in schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
To study the relevance of gender on social functioning in schizophrenia.


METHODS
A sample of 200 schizophrenic (DSM-IV criteria) out-patients were followed-up during 2 years and were administered the following instruments: Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), Disability Assessment Scale (DAS-sv), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale. A regression model was created with DAS and GAF as dependent variables, and gender, PANSS, age of onset, duration of illness and marital status as independent variables. Separate regression models were then generated for females and males.


RESULTS
Gender influenced significantly on DAS and GAF, with men showing worse functioning. In gender specific analyses, we found a significant influence of illness duration and Positive and Negative PANSS on social functioning in men, and of age at onset and Negative PANSS in women.


CONCLUSIONS
Gender had a significant influence on social functioning in schizophrenia, even after adjusting for the other independent variables.
D000367:Age Factors; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012737:Sex Factors; D012917:Social Adjustment