Sex Differences in Dually Diagnosed Severely Mentally III Clients in Dual Diagnosis Outpatient Treatment

The authors explored gender differences among clients enrolled in an integrated outpatient program for dually diagnosed severely mentally ill patients. A total of 338 clients (36% women) were evaluated in several clinical areas. Women were more often diagnosed with affective disorders and men with schizophrenia. Women were more often single vs. polydrug users, showed lower levels of substance use, and had higher overall functioning. Women, however, attended groups less often than men despite comparable individual attendance and compliance. The authors discuss results in terms of program evaluation and future research.