Women and Schizophrenia

This book examines how being female affects onsets and nature of schizophrenia, and the implications of this for treatment.

David J. Castle (Edited by), John McGrath (Edited by), Jayashri Kulkarni (Edited by)

9780521786171, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 24 August 2000

164 pages, 5 tables
24.7 x 17.5 x 1.5 cm, 0.395 kg

'… this book provides an excellent and learned update on the neurobiological, epidemiological, clinical, hormonal and reproductive factors influencing the impact of the illness in both sexes … Among the many interesting issues raised throughout the book is that the prevalence of the illness remains relatively stable despite evidence of a genetic influence in its transmission.' Australia and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry

This comprehensive review of a complex area is as much about women as it is about schizophrenia, encompassing the biological, endocrinological, epidemiological, reproductive, psychological and social aspects of schizophrenia as experienced by women. Femaleness impacts significantly on the onset and nature of schizophrenia suffered by women: the female brain develops more rapidly than the male; estrogens produce antipsychotic effects; the female brain ages differently from the male, with a massive preponderance of female very-late-onset schizophrenia which may be related to a relative excess of dopamine D2 receptors. An international, multidisciplinary team of clinicians and mental health researchers review past and current literature, assess the sex-specific issues and evaluate their therapeutic, clinical and social implications for more appropriate and effective treatments of schizophrenia in women now and in the future. It is essential reading for all clinicians, practitioners and researchers involved with mental health and also with women's health.

List of contributors
Foreword Robin MacGregor Murray
Preface David J. Castle
1. Introduction and overview John McGrath, David J. Castle and Jayashri Kulkarni
2. Sex differences in brain development, organization and degeneration: are they relevant to sex differences in schizophrenia? David J. Castle
3. Women and schizophrenia: an epidemiological perspective David J. Castle
4. Women and schizophrenia: clinical aspects Mary V. Seeman and Paul Fitzgerald
5. Hormones and psychosis Jayashri Kulkarni and George Fink
6. Reproductive, preconceptual and antenatal needs of women with schizophrenia Joanne Barkla and John McGrath
7. Motherhood and schizophrenia Jenny Hearle and John McGrath
8. Women and schizophrenia: treatment implications Paul Fitzgerald and Mary V. Seeman
9. Overview of sex differences in schizophrenia: where have we been and where do we go from here? Jill M. Goldstein and Richard R. J. Lewine
Index.

Subject Areas: Psychiatry [MMH]