| Summary: | Purpose of review: There are gender differences in cognitive function and in the prevalence of many neuropsychiatric disorders. The biological basis for this is still poorly understood but may be related to the effects of oestrogen on brain maturation and subsequent modulation of brain function in regions that are implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. This review is timely and relevant, as recent studies have furthered our understanding into oestrogen's role in both maturation and functioning of brain areas and neurochemical systems involved in common neuropsychiatric disorders. Recent findings: This review begins by analysing the effects of oestrogen on brain function at the macroscopic, microscopic, functional, metabolic and neurotransmitter levels. This is followed by a summary of current opinion on the effects of oestrogen on specific neuropsychiatric disorders including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and depression. Summary: Basic research indicates that oestrogen may effect brain maturation and subsequent modulation of brain function in regions that are implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. The most robust effect of oestrogen on brain function is in the domain of cognitive function, especially verbal memory. Clinical research findings, however, do not at present suggest that oestrogen should be used as a first line treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders in clinical practice. © 2004 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
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