Menstrual cycle in schizophrenic patients: review with a case

• Published in: Noro-Psikiyatri Arsivi Vol. 52; no. 4; p. 417
• Main Authors: Sonmez, Ipek, Kosger, Ferdi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: AVES 01-12-2015
• Subjects: Analysis; Antipsychotic agents; Care and treatment; Complications and side effects; Health aspects; Menstrual cycle; Schizophrenia
• ISSN: 1300-0667
• DOI: 10.5152/npa.20157660

There are not enough studies about the relationship between menstrual psychosis and schizophrenia exacerbation during the menstrual cycle. In patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, it is important to examine the psychotic symptoms and depression and anxiety symptoms during the menstrual cycle and to adjust the treatment according to these symptoms. If depression and anxiety symptoms are present, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can be used. In patients with exacerbated psychotic symptoms, it may be effective to increase the dose of an antipsychotic drug, which has no effect on prolactin release, 3-5 days prior to menstruation. In addition, hormonal therapy or menstrual cycle suppression is an alternative option. In this article, a case of a schizophrenic patient whose psychotic symptoms exacerbated with the menstrual cycle is presented. Keywords: Schizophrenia, estrogen, menstrual psychosis