FUNCTIONALITY IN SCHIZOPHRENIA IN UNIVERSITY MALAYA

Numerous studies on gender differences in schizophrenia have been published to summarize the evidence from molecular to the clinical level. Female schizophrenics are found to have better skills then the males. In addition, it was described that the male schizophrenics exhibited more negative symptoms compared to the females. The aim of this study was to investigate the gender influences on psychopathology and functionality of schizophrenia patients in University Malaya Medical Centre. Methods: All patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who attended the outpatient psychiatric clinic during a two-month period were recruited into the study. The patients were assessed on their socio-demographic profile, clinical data, psychopathology according to Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia (PANSS) and functionality by using Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP). Results: A total of 76 female and 74 male patients entered the study. Both genders were matched in age, ethnic groups