Puberty and scizophrenia

grantor: University of TorontoObjective. This study investigates the mediating role of puberty in schizophrenia onset in women and men. Hypotheses. It was hypothesized that a positive correlation exists in women and a negative one in men. Method. Competent and consenting individuals with DSM-IV schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and their mothers, underwent a 45 minute interview to ascertain age at first odd behaviour, age at first psychotic symptom, age at first hospitalization, and age at various indices of puberty. Information about substance use, head injury, obstetric trauma and first-degree family history of schizophrenia was obtained. Results. Linear regression in women (N = 35) showed that age at menarche correlated positively with illness onset. Age at voice change for men (N = 45) was non-predictive. None of the other tested variables played a role in the interaction. Conclusion. In women, early puberty (whether via hormonal or social influence) delays schizophrenia onset. This effect is not found in men.M.Sc