Recent attention in psychiatric literature has highlighted social risk factors for chronic psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, which include parental maltreatment, exposure to violence, stressful life events, emigration, and social disadvantages. Notably, psychosocial risk factors influence health through biological pathways, while genetic factors can determine environmental outcomes. This interplay suggests that the social determinants of schizophrenia may affect men and women differently.

A review identified key social determinants such as social capital, employment status, socioeconomic conditions, housing, social networks, stigma, and immigration, all of which differentially impact men and women with schizophrenia. Women often face higher rates of childhood and adult trauma, intimate partner violence, and stigmatization related to their roles in family and society. Effective interventions for these risks include stress reduction techniques, cognitive therapies, social support networks, and targeted housing solutions. The review underscores the need for gender-specific strategies to address the unique social risks faced by women with schizophrenia, aiming to enhance preventive measures and improve functional recovery.

Reference: González-Rodríguez A, Natividad M, Seeman MV, et al. Schizophrenia: A Review of Social Risk Factors That Affect Women. Behav Sci (Basel). 2023 Jul 12;13(7):581. doi: 10.3390/bs13070581. PMID: 37504028; PMCID: PMC10376000.