[Early detection of schizophrenic psychoses in men and women]

Abstract

The early detection and treatment of schizophrenic psychoses is of decisive importance in order to improve the course of this disorder, which so far often is a chronic one leading to early invalidity. Women on average fall ill about 4-5 years later than men, often even only after the 40th year of life. These "late onset schizophrenias", which account for as much as 20% of all schizophrenias, should not be overlooked. Prodromi and other early signs of the disorder are very similar in women and men as is the delay of diagnosis and therapy. Due to the fact that women get the disorder only at a higher age, they are usually already much better established regarding their different social roles. However there obviously is a danger to neglect professional (re-)integration in women. Early detection, early intervention and early rehabilitation therefore should also be gender sensitive.