All Psychosis is Not Schizophrenia, Especially Not in Women

Background: The twelve-month stability of a diagnosis of schizophrenia after a first episode of psychosis is higher in men than in women. Purpose: To explore confounding conditions that exist in women. Method and Results: Review of recent literature on psychosis associated with starvation, diet aids, immune disorders, steroid use, estrogen withdrawal, thyroid conditions, abuse of domestic solvents, Turner Syndrome, depression, sleep deprivation, and posttraumatic stress. Conclusion: Clinicians need to screen for conditions prevalent in women that can induce psychosis and mimic schizophrenia. This will diminish erroneous diagnosis and inappropriate treatment.