Women and men are approximately equally affected by schizophrenia. In young adults, the disease begins in males on the average a few years earlier than in women. In contrast, if the psychosis first becomes manifest at older ages, it affects more women. In general, the clinical course of schizophrenia in women is thought to be more favourable. Male schizophrenics have more severe negative symptoms and are more impaired in their ability to function socially. Men are usually treated with higher doses of antipsychotic drugs. Women who undergo pharmacological therapy of schizophrenia have a higher drug serum level at the same dose and a higher risk of developing certain side effects, such as hyperprolactinaemia.
