According to valid classification systems no difference is aknowledged considering gender in acute psycosis, which is true for all other disorders in psychiatry as well. However several studies suggest that differences in clinical presentation of psychosis do exist in men and women in different areas of symptomatology, function, help-seeking behavior, DUP, teatment and course as well as outcome. The diffreneces seem to be important for both recognition of psychosis as well as treatment.

We are conducting a prospective study evaluating all patients with first episode acute psychosis that is currently at its second stage with revised instruments. At first stage we included 98 patients with acute psychosis and evaluated them using PANSS, CGI and GAS along with all other relevant information including therapy.

We will present both first and partial second stage information on differences in symtpoms in acute psychosis according to gender. Results show that with men negative symtpoms along with function decline and neglect are significantly more prominent. In women positive and mood symtpoms are predominant with preserved function and self-care.

Results are in concordance with other published studies and suggest that clincal presentations of acute psychosis might differ significantly to the point where these differences should be included in evaluating psychosis, the need for treatment and treatment choice as well.

Implications for future studies and clinical work will be proposed.