Practices and theoretical orientations of female and male psychiatrists

Research questions: Differences between male and female psychiatrists in th eir careers, professional and clinical activities, and clinical orientation s, in general and in contrasted settings for the practice of psychiatry. Methods: Survey by mailed questionnaire to psychiatrists working in private practice or in institutions. Results: Male and female psychiatrists share some similar characteristics ( age, many interests, etc.). However, female psychiatrists differ from male psychiatrists in numerous respects: more frequently engaged in private prac tice, shorter work-weeks, less diversification of clinical activities, more frequent reference to a psychological model. In women occupying hierarchic positions, these differences disappear, whilst they are maintained in priv ate practice for those using the psychological model. The differences can b e interpreted in part in terms of gender-specific socialization, but their origin could mainly arise from the existence of different systems of gender -based constraints in the management of professional and personal, or famil y, spheres. Conclusions: Adjusting I-he training period and working conditions in insti tutions could facilitate career diversification for both male and female ps ychiatrists.