biostudies-literatureUnknown15(12)Hiß IC<h4>Introduction</h4>Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a prevalent, chronic condition generating considerable global morbidity, mortality and socioeconomic burden. Despite the availability of established pharmacotherapies, overall treatment uptake remains low and effect sizes are moderate at best. Emerging evidence highlights substantial differences in treatment response between sexes and genders, yet these factors are rarely systematically considered in clinical trials or routine care. Existing reviews have limited scope and often exclude gender-diverse populations. This project aims to (1) Synthesise evidence on gender- and sex-specific efficacy, safety and adherence in AUD pharmacotherapies, (2) Evaluate the consideration of sex and gender beyond binary classifications in existing research BMJ opene112002https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12682176biostudies-literatureGender- and sex-sensitive psychopharmacotherapy of alcohol use disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.PMC12682176Siegmann EMBach PFischer RLenz BHiß ICJager KHoffmann SKiefer FReinhard IfalseGender- and sex-sensitive psychopharmacotherapy of alcohol use disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.<h4>Introduction</h4>Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a prevalent, chronic condition generating considerable global morbidity, mortality and socioeconomic burden. Despite the availability of established pharmacotherapies, overall treatment uptake remains low and effect sizes are moderate at best. Emerging evidence highlights substantial differences in treatment response between sexes and genders, yet these factors are rarely systematically considered in clinical trials or routine care. Existing reviews have limited scope and often exclude gender-diverse populations. This project aims to (1) Synthesise evidence on gender- and sex-specific efficacy, safety and adherence in AUD pharmacotherapies, (2) Evaluate the consideration of sex and gender beyond binary classifications in existing research 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Dec2026-06-07T04:46:13.615Z2026-06-07T03:06:52.467ZS-EPMC126821764133864210.1136/bmjopen-2025-112002