There are few published studies on the relationship between gender and psychiatric disorders. We assessed sex differences in a sample of first-admission psychiatric inpatients to identify possible risk factors and targets for sex-tailored treatment interventions.

A retrospective study of admissions to the psychiatry department, Coimbra hospital Universitary Centre, Portugal, in 2015 was accomplished (n=924). The two groups were compared for demographic features, psychiatric diagnoses and medical co-morbidities.

Male patients were significantly younger (age average=47.7 vs. 53.3). Differences in employment, educational, and marital statuses were found between male and female psychiatric patients. Having a degree was a protective factor for males, whereas it was a risk factor for females. Being divorced and single were both risk factors for medical co-morbidity in females. A higher proportion of men among patients hospitalized for schizophrenia (14.9 vs. 5.5%) or substance use disorder (10.3 vs. 2.1%) and a higher proportion of women among those admitted for affective disorders (43.3 vs. 25.9%), including bipolar disorder (13.4 vs. 9.0%), were found. No significant differences in duration of hospitalization between the two groups (22.8 in male vs. 22.2days in female)

The differences between the two groups of inpatients were very pronounced. A better understanding of these differences may help to establish more effective treatment strategies.