The Role of Gender in Mental Health
Over 2 million people in the US are living with schizophrenia. Although the condition affects men and women in equal numbers, there are some stark differences in symptoms and disease course based on gender. Men with schizophrenia typically have a poorer outlook than women, as men tend to have more intense symptoms and an earlier age of onset. Additionally, men display more apathy, cognitive dysfunction, speech reduction and social isolation compared to women. Women with schizophrenia, on the other hand, more frequently express depression and greater impairment in thought conceptualization. Schizophrenia can also affect one’s health risks beyond the direct symptoms of the condition. On a positive note, schizophrenia may reduce the risk for rheumatoid arthritis. However, other issues, such as substance abuse and addiction, are strongly associated with and often accompany schizophrenia. Whatever your gender, schizophrenia is a serious mental condition that requires proper support and treatment.
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Review Date:
April 11, 2014Citation:
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Last Updated:
July 1, 2014