Gender differences in schizophrenia through Rorschach technique

Abstract

Epidemiological data reveal that schizophrenia is a major world public health problem. It affects approximately 1% of the adult population, independently from sex and socio-cultural conditions. However, there are differences in gender concerning the onset and the development of this illness. Eighty patients with schizophrenia disorder (F20) by ICD-10, who had experienced a relapse of their illness, were assessed by the Rorschach technique. The results showed statistically significant genders differences in cognitive, affective and interpersonal interaction aspects. These results support earlier findings that found gender differences in schizophrenia: the disorder in male individuals tend to be more severe than in female, which affects adversely the behavior and social functioning of male patients.