CreatripTeam

Japanese doctors reported a rare case of a 17-year-old girl who experienced psychotic symptoms that reliably appeared before and during her periods and disappeared after menstruation ended. Over two years she suffered severe anxiety, feelings of being watched, auditory hallucinations, and paranoid delusions despite no prior psychiatric history. Initial antipsychotic treatment failed; clinicians then noticed the symptoms followed a clear menstrual pattern. They successfully treated her with carbamazepine (an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer), after which hallucinations and delusions stopped and antipsychotics and antidepressants were discontinued without relapse. Experts note that menstrual-related psychiatric symptoms can range from common premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to the more severe premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and that hormonal fluctuations (progesterone, estrogen, dopamine, prolactin, endorphins, serotonin) are implicated. Cases of new-onset psychosis strictly linked to the menstrual cycle are extremely rare worldwide. Doctors recommend consulting a clinician if pre- or post-menstrual psychological symptoms seriously disrupt daily life, as treatments are available.