No gender differences in social outcome in patients suffering from schizophrenia

Abstract

Differences between female and male patients with schizophrenia in psychopathology and course of illness have frequently been reported. However, the influence of sex on symptomatic and social remission is still an open issue. In the present study, differences between males and females in both clinical and social remission rates and in scores on several scales assessing social functioning were evaluated in 295 stabilized patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective or delusional disorder. Female patients, as compared with males, showed a later onset of the illness, less negative symptoms and less frequent alcohol abuse. No significant difference was found between females and males in the rate of symptomatic and functional remission. No significant effect of sex was observed on any index of social functioning.