Cohort study, 2001
Do psychiatric symptoms get worse before the period in women with schizophrenia?
Yes, overall psychiatric symptoms were worse in the premenstrual phase. However, the psychotic symptoms like hallucinations barely changed, while mood and behavioral symptoms worsened significantly.
What they did
Researchers followed 30 female inpatients with schizophrenia for one menstrual cycle. Each woman filled out a daily symptom form every evening. A psychiatrist also rated their symptoms once during each of three menstrual phases using a standard rating scale.
What they found
Of 30 women, 24 completed the daily ratings correctly. The total symptom score was highest in the premenstrual phase and lowest in the postmenstrual phase. Anxiety and depression scores, and withdrawal scores, showed statistically significant differences across the menstrual cycle. Psychotic symptom scores did not change significantly. Depressed mood, anxiety, hostility, and work impairment showed frequent changes in the premenstrual phase.
What it means for you
In women with schizophrenia, premenstrual worsening involves mood, anxiety, and behavior more than the core psychotic symptoms. This suggests premenstrual depression happens alongside schizophrenia as a separate issue. The study is limited by its small size, single-cycle observation, and lack of a control group.
24
women completed the study
3
menstrual phases assessed
30
women who started
About the study
- Original title
- Changes in premenstrual symptoms in women with schizophrenia: a prospective study
- Authors
- Choi SH, Kang SB, Joe SH
- Journal
- Psychosomatic medicine
- Year
- 2001
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 24
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1097/00006842-200109000-00016
Topics
Related studies
Cohort study, 2025
How common is PMS in Chinese teenage girls, and what factors are linked to it?
Study, 2026
Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition?
Study, 2026
What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Survey study, 2025
Can a plant-based supplement reduce PMS symptoms?
Review, 2025
How does the menstrual cycle affect psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety?
Survey study, 2024
What factors are associated with PMS and PMDD in adolescent and young women?