Citation

Chang WC, Tang JY, Hui CLM, Chiu CP, Lam MM, Wong GH, Chung DW, Law CW, Tso S, Chan KP, Hung SF, Chen EY. Aust. N. Zeal. J. Psychiatry 2011; 45(3): 199-205.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, Tai Po Hospital, 9 Chuen On Road, Tai Po, Hong Kong.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.3109/00048674.2010.547841

PMID

21261552

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.

Language: en