[Symptomatology and gender in schizophrenia].

OBJECTIVE

To study the possible symptomatological gender differences in a sample of schizophrenic outpatients.

METHOD

A sample of 239 schizophrenic patients (DSM-IV criteria) was administered a demographic questionnaire and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The PANSS symptoms were grouped in accordance with Kay's five factors model.

RESULTS

The ratio women/men was 1/2. Women had a later age at onset. Women were more likely to be married and to live independently, as well to be occupationally active. Both groups were similar in subtype of schizophrenia. No differences were found in PANSS' results; in global or grouped scores.

CONCLUSION

No symptomatological differences were found between women and men with schizophrenia.