Sex and gender as critical variables in feminist psychopharmacology research and pharmacotherapy

There is increasing recognition that sex (as a demographic or descriptive variable) is a critical factor in clinical pharmacology research. In addition, we argue that there is a need for increased study of gender-related effects in pharmacological research. Gender is a complex, socially constructed variable that will require greater attention to contextualized research methods. Sex and possible gender-related differences are summarized for three main groups of psychotropic drugs: antipsychotics, antianxiety agents, and antidepressants. Clinically meaningful effects of sex and sex-related hormones have been demonstrated for both drug metabolism (and more broadly, for pharmacokinetics) and for clinical outcomes, including benefits and side-effects. A contextualized, mediated-effects model is proposed as a guide to future research. Implications for advancing women’s mental health are explored. © 1995 by The Haworth Press, Inc.

Duke Scholars

Author Jean Hamilton Psychology & Neuroscience