This paper reports epidemiological findings which support the hypothesis that the influence of gender on schizophrenia is a significant, transcultural phenomenon. Male/female differences in the illness are discussed with particular attention to age of onset, chronicity and prodromal personality characteristics. Evidence is presented indicating additional male/female contrasts in the incidence of birth complications, seasonality of birth, and birth order. The author refers to cognitive as well as neurobiological differences between the sexes in the general population which can elucidate differences in the nature and expression of schizophrenia.
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