Physical and Mental Health Needs in Women Suffering from Schizophrenia

Dear Colleagues,

Women who suffer from schizophrenia often require health interventions that differ from those of men. A significant portion of the literature supports the notion that mortality is premature in schizophrenia, with schizophrenia women being at high risk of breast cancer mortality compared to those from the general population. Cardiovascular risk factors increase for women during the menopause, which is a period of high vulnerability to worsening psychotic symptoms. Antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia is frequent in patients with schizophrenia, and in women, it has short and long-term negative effects (e.g., amenorrhea, osteopenia, osteoporosis).

Social risk factors have shown a significant influence on physical and mental health in patients with schizophrenia. Women with schizophrenia suffer significantly from more severe negative consequences compared to men, with social exclusion and discrimination being important social targets for these populations. Women and men metabolize drugs differently and show different antipsychotic response profiles; this is why personalized gender approaches are recommended in schizophrenia populations.

The present issue aims to summarize the scientific evidence on medical comorbidity, antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia, the safety and tolerability of treatment interventions, and the impact of new personalized treatment approaches to treat schizophrenia in women.

Dr. Alexandre González-Rodríguez
Dr. Jose Antonio Monreal
Guest Editors

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• schizophrenia
• women
• gender
• mental health