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Case report, 1988

Can psychosis be linked to the menstrual cycle?

Yes. Premenstrual and menstrual periods are linked with increased psychiatric problems including psychosis. One case describes psychosis that happened during the premenstrual period and disappeared completely once menstrual bleeding stopped.

Early or limited evidence A woman with psychosis linked to her menstrual cycle

What they did

A case report describing a woman with psychosis linked to her menstrual cycle. The report noted that her psychosis occurred during the premenstrual and menstrual periods.

What they found

Psychosis occurred during the premenstrual period and completely disappeared once menstrual bleeding stopped. Premenstrual and menstrual periods are associated with increased psychiatric disturbances, both psychotic and neurotic.

What it means for you

This case shows that the menstrual cycle may trigger psychosis in some women. The main limit is that this is only one case, so we do not know how common this is or what might cause it in other women.

1

woman in case report

About the study

Original title
Schizophreniform psychosis associated with the menstrual cycle
Authors
Gerada C, Reveley A
Journal
The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science
Year
1988
Study design
Case report
What was tested
None described

Topics