ASCP Corner September 15, 2005

Gender Differences in Clinical Psychopharmacology

Anita H. Clayton, MD

J Clin Psychiatry 2005;66(9):1191

Article Abstract

Because this piece has no abstract, we have provided for your benefit the first 3 sentences of the full text.

Biological differences between men andwomen appear, at least in part, to be related tovariation in levels and changes in sex steroidsthat subsequently interact with neurotransmitters.Reproductive-aged women have repetitivevariations in sex hormones with eachmonthly cycle that influence the onset, chronicity,and outcome of a variety of psychiatricillnesses. Variations in brain structure and functionand in pharmacokinetics may also contributeto psychiatric outcomes.’ ‹