Deficit schizophrenia, gender and social class of origin

Background: To date, studies of gender differences in schizophrenic symptoms are inconsistent and ambiguous. We tested to see if social class of origin may connect with any possible gender difference in propensity for type of schizophrenia. Methods: A total of 436 schizophrenic patients were separated into deficit and nondeficit presentation. They were further divided into social class of origin and gender. Results: We uncovered a significantly reduced risk for deficit schizophrenia among men born into nonpoor families. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the pathogenesis of schizophrenia is gender-specific and may connect with genetic penetrance coupled with prenatal experiences. (C) 2008 WPMH GmbH. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.