SEX-DIFFERENCES IN BRAIN MORPHOLOGY IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

Objective: The current literature on sex differences in schizophrenia with regard to structural brain abnormalities is inconsistent. Several studies have suggested that male and female patients may differ in se verity of brain abnormalities. Efforts to explore this issue have been hindered by small study groups, unbalanced groups (i.e., those with m any more men than women), or both. The relatively smaller number of fe male schizophrenic patients in most studies may have made it more diff icult to detect differences between patients and comparison subjects. This study was designed to evaluate brain morphology in a carefully se lected group of patients with schizophrenia and healthy comparison sub jects who were balanced by sex. Method: Eighty patients (40 male and 4 0 female) and 80 healthy volunteers watched by sex and age were studie d. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were analyzed with the use of an a utomated method that yields volumes of major brain regions. Results: T here was a significant sex-by-diagnosis interaction for ventricular vo lume, with male patients having significantly larger ventricles than m ale comparison subjects but female patients showing no significant enl argement in comparison wish healthy female subjects. Although the over all distribution of structural brain differences was very similar in t he male and female patients, the male patients had a greater number of significant abnormalities than the female patients. Conclusions: Thes e findings indicate that male and female patients with schizophrenia h ave the same pattern of structural brain abnormalities, but male patie nts appear to manifest greater severity, especially with regard to ven tricular enlargement.