The aim of study was to assess distinctions between men and women with the diagnosis of schizophrenia at the level of social function with multi-axial ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases) system. We obtained informations on 98 patients (women 44) with schizophrenia (62) or schizoaffective disorder (36).
Men opposite to women with schizophrenia had more impaired life domains, self-care, broader social functions, legal domain and working ability (P<0.05;chi-square test). Authors postulate, that premorbid gender differences in receiving a social support relate to social functioning in schizofrenic's life.
The results emphasize the importance of social skills as a prognostic factor in schizophrenia. This can be used in gender-specific social rehabilitation and further research.