[Sex-related variations in the course of schizophrenic disease. A review]

Based on an extensive literature review the evidence for gender differences in the course of schizophrenia is examined. If gender differences were reported, which was the case in about one half of the studies, they were almost exclusively in favour of female patients. This applied similarly to hospital career, psychopathology, and social adjustment. Unfortunately, due to methodological limitations the results are often difficult to interpret. However, in a number of recent studies of high methodological standard, gender differences could also be shown. It is discussed to what extent a greater vulnerability or exposure to social stress on the part of males and/or better coping resources and greater social support on the part of females might be responsible for this finding.