Current outcome in schizophrenia: women vs men.

This article reviews the 1980's literature on gender differences in schizophrenia outcome. Neuroleptic response, long-term course, and housing, appear to be superior in women. Mortality ratios are advantageous to schizophrenic men. After menopause, women may require higher neuroleptic doses than men and are more at risk for severe tardive dyskinesia. The antidopaminergic effects of estrogens appear to be responsible for some of the outcome differences.