چکیده (انگلیسی):

Recent studies have begun to look at gender differences in schizophrenia and first-episode psychosis in an attempt to explain the
heterogeneity of the illness.However, a number of uncertainties remain. This paper tries to summarize themost important findings
in gender differences in schizophrenia and first-psychosis episodes. Several studies indicate that the incidence of schizophrenia
is higher in men. Most of the studies found the age of onset to be earlier in men than in women. Findings on symptoms
are less conclusive, with some authors suggesting that men suffer more negative symptoms while women have more affective
symptoms. Premorbid functioning and social functioning seem to be better in females than males. However, cognitive functioning
remains an issue, with lack of consensus on differences in neuropsychological profile between women and men. Substance abuse
is more common in men than women with schizophrenia and first-episode psychosis. In terms of the disease course, women have
better remission and lower relapse rates. Lastly, there is no evidence of specific gender differences in familial risk and obstetric
complications. Overall, gender differences have been found in a number of variables, and further study in this area could help
provide useful information with a view to improving our care of these patients.