The evaluation of women with schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia affects approximately 1 percent of the population worldwide. Its manifestation and response to treatment are often different in women and men and sex hormones, such as estrogen, may help to explain some of these phenomenological and clinical differences. This article reviews important sex differences in symptom expression and treatment response of schizophrenia and focuses on gender-specific factors, such as motherhood, that require specific methods of assessment in women with the disorder. The evaluation of suicide risk, substance abuse, and medical comorbidity in women with schizophrenia is also addressed. Particular attention is paid to the evaluation needs of women receiving antipsychotics, some of which elevate serum prolactin levels.