[Gender aspects of psychiatric publications].

OBJECTIVE

Are authors of German language psychiatric journals more often male or female? Are there gender differences regarding scientific topics?

METHODS

Analysis of publications of two German-language journals (Neuropsychiatrie, Psychiatrische Praxis) for the period 2008-2009.

RESULTS

We could not find any gender differences concerning the number of first authors, but the number of male co-authors was nearly double as high as of female co-authors. Qualitative research methods were used more often by female researchers, but there were no significant differences regarding scientific topics.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, we found fewer gender differences than expected concerning authorship.