Survey study, 1996
Do psychiatric symptoms get worse during certain phases of the menstrual cycle?
Some reports suggest that psychiatric symptoms worsen during premenstrual and menstrual phases, but evidence is limited because most studies have been small and tracked women informally.
What they did
This was a review of published research on psychiatric symptoms across the menstrual cycle in women of reproductive age.
What they found
Some data reported that psychiatric symptoms may worsen during premenstrual and menstrual phases. Reports included depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, bulimia, and substance abuse. However, most studies did not clarify whether symptoms intensified or appeared only during certain cycle phases.
What it means for you
Doctors should ask female patients whether their psychiatric symptoms change with their menstrual cycle. The evidence is limited because most studies lacked proper tracking over time and involved small numbers of women, so firm conclusions cannot yet be drawn.
About the study
- Original title
- Course of psychiatric disorders across the menstrual cycle
- Authors
- Hendrick V, Altshuler LL, Burt VK
- Journal
- Harvard review of psychiatry
- Year
- 1996
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3109/10673229609030544
Topics
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