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Review, 1993

What psychiatric disorders in women show a premenstrual pattern?

Many psychiatric and neurological disorders are more common in women than men and often show a premenstrual pattern of worsening symptoms. These conditions, along with premenstrual migraines, often respond to antidepressant medication.

Early or limited evidence This is a review; general discussion of women with psychiatric and neurological disorders.

What they did

This is a literature review examining psychiatric and neurological disorders that are more prevalent in women and their relationship to the menstrual cycle. The authors reviewed evidence for premenstrual patterning of symptoms and treatment response to antidepressants.

What they found

Many depressive and other psychiatric disorders are more common in women than men. Various of these disorders show a premenstrual patterning of symptoms and are responsive to antidepressants. Migraine headaches are more common in women, show a premenstrual patterning, and are responsive to antidepressants.

What it means for you

Women's mental health symptoms often worsen before the menstrual period, and antidepressants can help. The main limitation is that the abstract does not specify which psychiatric disorders show premenstrual patterning, making it unclear which conditions might apply to you.

About the study

Original title
Special aspects of neuropsychiatric illness in women: with a focus on depression
Authors
Hamilton JA, Halbreich U
Journal
Annual review of medicine
Year
1993
Study design
Review
What was tested
Antidepressant medication.

Topics