Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that can cause someone to experience extreme emotions, hear voices, and see things that are not there. This illness can also impact men and women differently, which is why it is important to consider a gender-specific treatment program in Washington like the one at Bayview Recovery. If you or someone you love needs a treatment program for schizophrenia, call us at 855.478.3650 to set up an intake assessment.

Why Choose Gender-Specific Treatment for Schizophrenia?

As with any other mental health condition, men and women tend to have varying symptoms and may need a more personalized treatment program. You may see more success managing schizophrenia with gender-specific treatment because of the following differences:

• Women with schizophrenia often have more negative symptoms than men. They may isolate themselves from others and avoid leaving their homes.
• Women with schizophrenia may struggle more with decision-making than men. They may become apathetic and unable to take action when necessary.
• Women tend to experience more severe schizophrenia symptoms than men, leading to higher hospitalization rates and suicide attempts.
• Women with schizophrenia are more likely than men to develop health complications like type II diabetes or anemia.
• Women with schizophrenia are more likely to be misdiagnosed than men because of their more extreme symptoms.

The above gender differences in people with schizophrenia demonstrate the need for gender-specific treatment for this serious condition.

How Does a Gender-Specific Treatment Program for Schizophrenia Work?

Like any treatment program for mental health conditions, you will encounter certain core components. Gender-specific treatment programs for men and women have similarities, but they also have several differences to ensure treatment is customized and effective.

Addressing schizophrenia with gender-specific treatment may include:

Antipsychotic medications

These medications are essential for nearly every person with schizophrenia. Men and women with schizophrenia respond equally well to antipsychotic medications. However, some types of medications may be more effective in one gender than another. There is also the possibility that certain antipsychotics might be more likely to cause side effects in women versus men. For this reason, women may be treated with newer antipsychotics that are less likely to cause side effects like weight gain, high blood sugar, and restlessness.

Estrogen therapy for women

This type of therapy has shown some promise in reducing symptoms of schizophrenia in women. It may help alleviate the mood swings, suicidal thoughts, and low moods associated with this condition.

Relapse prevention

Women tend to be re-hospitalized for schizophrenia at a higher rate than men. As a result, gender-specific treatment focuses more on relapse prevention for women.

Treatment for co-occurring disorders

Women with schizophrenia are more likely to struggle with depression. Therefore, programs designed for them will emphasize therapy for symptoms of depression. Eating disorders are also more common in women with schizophrenia. On the other hand, men with the illness are more likely to develop substance use disorder, so gender-specific treatment programs for men will address this.

Find Schizophrenia Gender-Specific Treatment at Bayview Recovery

Considering the differences in how this mental health condition affects men and women, it only makes sense that schizophrenia gender-specific treatment is provided. Programs designed specifically for men or women can emphasize the most important aspects of helping each gender manage their condition.

Schizophrenia treatment programs customized for both genders allow men and women to receive targeted care specific to their needs. Understanding how gender-specific treatment for schizophrenia can offer men and women the most effective care for their condition will help you see the need for these types of programs. Reach out to Bayview Recovery at 855.478.3650 to learn more about how we tailor our schizophrenia gender-specific treatment programs for our clients.