Gender differences in first onset Schizophrenia spectrum psychoses

Abstract

Background: Mental health profiles differ between boys and girls from puberty onwards. It is not known whether differences also extend to symptom presentation in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. It may be that girls and boys are not treated entirely equally by the professionals.

Aims: To study gender differences in symptom profiles, family adversities, pathway to care, and characteristics of inpatient treatment at the first episode of diagnosed schizophrenia spectrum disorder (F20–29) among adolescents aged 13–17.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of all (n = 106) consecutive adolescents diagnosed for the first time with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (F20–29) in a specified catchment area. Girls and boys were compared with regard to sociodemographics, pathways to care, living arrangements, symptom profiles, and treatment received.

Results: During the study period more adolescent girls (n = 70, 66%) than boys (n = 36, 34%) were diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum (F20–29) psychoses, most commonly F29. Girls were moreover younger (mean age = 15.46) than boys (mean age = 16.62) at admission. Girls more often displayed mood symptoms and boys aggressive behaviours, alcohol abuse problems, and isolation. Family adversities recorded as current stressors were more numerous among girls. Girls were more likely to be referred to specialized after-care than boys.

Conclusions: The gender differences observed in symptoms presentation are reminiscent of differences encountered in the general adolescent population. Prior to transition to psychosis, girls and boys are equally in contact with psychiatric services due to other (possibly prodromal) symptoms/disorders. Family adversities may be more stressful for girls vulnerable to psychosis than to boys.

Keywords:

• Schizophrenia spectrum
• psychosis
• adolescence
• gender differences

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.