Gender and schizophrenia.
In accordance with the predominant view on the neurobiology of schizophrenia, most of the research on the differences in the illness between men and women has been studied on the basis of sex difference as a biological category rather than on the basis of gender as a psychosocial category. There are gender- identity difficulties observed in schizophrenia. Problems associated with gender can be a major source of instability and vulnerability during the development of the first and later psychotic episodes. There is a need for future research to view sex difference through gender perspectives. Findings from a gender study may have utility for the development of differential treatment interventions for men and women and may improve the outcome of the illness in general. The study of the complex role of gender in illness processes is an important research direction that would enhance our understanding of the heterogeneity in the manifestation and subjective experience of schizophrenia.
Strkalj Ivezić
Sladana
S
Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce Zagreb, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia. sladjana.ivezic@bolnica-vrapce.hr
John
Nada
N
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D001242:Assertiveness; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D012951:Socialization; D013240:Stereotyping