In:
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, SAGE Publications, Vol. 45, No. 3 ( 2011-03), p. 199-205
Abstract:
Objective: The aim of the current study was to investigate gender differences with respect to pre-treatment characteristics, clinical presentation, service utilization and functional outcome in patients presenting with first-episode psychosis. Methods: A total of 700 participants (men, n = 360; women, n = 340) aged 15 to 25 years consecutively enrolled in a territory-wide first-episode psychosis treatment programme in Hong Kong from July 2001 to August 2003 were studied. Baseline and three-year follow up variables were collected via systematic medical file review. Results: At service entry, men had significantly lower educational attainment (p 〈 0.01), longer median duration of untreated psychosis (p 〈 0.001), fewer past suicidal attempts (p 〈 0.01), more severe negative symptoms (p 〈 0.05) and fewer affective symptoms (p 〈 0.01) than women. There was no significant gender difference in age of onset. In three-year follow up, men had more prominent negative symptoms (p 〈 0.001), fewer affective symptoms (p 〈 0.01), more violent behaviour and forensic records (p 〈 0.01), and higher rate of substance abuse (p 〈 0.01). Women achieved higher levels of functioning than men (Social Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS), p 〈 0.001) and a significantly higher proportion of women than men engaged in full-time employment or study for at least 12 consecutive months (p 〈 0.001) in the initial three years after psychiatric treatment. Conclusion: Notable gender differences in clinical profiles, illness trajectory and functional outcome were demonstrated in Chinese young people suffering from first-episode psychosis. Differential needs between men and women and hence gender-specific therapeutic strategies should be considered in early intervention service.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0004-8674
,
1440-1614
DOI:
10.3109/00048674.2010.547841
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
2011
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2003849-5
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