ABSTRACT
This chapter examines implications of sex or gender bias for the study of psychopharmacology and the use of psychotropic drugs. It examines distinctions between sex- and gender-related effects. The chapter explores some implications of an improved, sex/gender-sensitive methodology in psychopharmacology for women's mental health. It describes studies of imipramine (IMI) and then summarizes data for other antidepressants. The chapter examines some of the confounding or contextual factors for antidepressants, with a special focus on data available for IMI: illness presentation, other illness characteristics, patterns of comorbidity, differential side effects or drop-out rates, and speed of response. Goals and recommendations for an ideal methodology would urge that researchers: Sex and gender are critical variables in psychotropic drug research. A more sex/gender-sensitive psychopharmacology would enhance contextual research and clinical practice in psychiatry. The ultimate goal is to optimize pharmacotherapy for women by maximizing therapeutic benefits and minimizing untoward side effects.
