Gender 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 that may be related to a relative excess of dopamine D2 receptors. This comprehensive review 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. An international, multidisciplinary team of clinicians and mental health researchers review past and current literature, and also assess 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. This volume is essential reading for all clinicians, practitioners, and researchers involved with mental health and with women's health. Reviews "Much valuable information has been compacted into this deceptively thin, very readable and affordable text. The thoughtful consideration that has been given to issues relevant to female gender within the context of schizophrenia gives new meaning to `vive la difference'!...The editors, who author or co-author six of the nine chapters, and their invited contributors introduce us to a rich literature, admirably fulfilling their worthy objectives." Doody's Review Service ® "a carefully organized and thorough compendium of recent research..." Social Work in Mental Health "The authors present a systematic, well organized and incredibly succinct review of the available research literature on genderr and schizophrenia...The authors have made an outstanding contribution to the literature in this area and this book is recommanded reading for clinicans who treat schizophrenic women as well as those who have a scholary interest in schizophrenia." Psy of Women Quarterly Dec 01 "Although entitled Women and Schizophrenia this book provides an excellent and learned update on the neurobiological, epidemiological, clinical, hormonal and reproductive factors influencing the impact of illness in both sexes...provides comprehensive reviews covering the medical (neurobiological and hormonal) aspects of gender differences in schizophrenia." Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry "...brings things together clearly and offers a stimulating and enjoyable read. For multi-disciplinary staff working with the families of schizophrenia sufferers, this is definitely the book to brighten up a boring journey." International Geriatric Psychiatry Contributors Robin Murray, David J. Castle, John McGrath, Jayashri Kulkarni, Paul Fitzgerald, Mary Seeman, George Fink, Joanne Barkla, Jenny Hearle, Jill M. Goldstein, Richard R. J. Lewine Contents Foreword Robin Murray Preface David J. Castle 1. Introduction and overview John McGrath, David 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 Paul Fitzgerald and Mary Seeman 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 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. |