Gender and affect in schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that males with schizophrenia have more negative symptoms and females with schizophrenia have more depressive symptoms. Previous studies examining gender differences in negative and depressive symptoms in schizophrenia have been inconclusive, being limited by retrospective design and lack of suitable assessment instruments.

METHOD

A consecutive series of 113 consenting inpatients meeting DSM-III-R criteria for schizophrenia (45 females, 68 males) were assessed using reliable measures of depression and negative symptoms. Negative symptoms were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and depression by the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia. Ninety-two of the subjects were reassessed 3 months later.

RESULTS

There were no differences in levels of negative or depressive symptoms between men and women.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of the study, the results do not support the hypothesis of sex differences in negative and depressive symptoms in schizophrenia.