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Case report, 2013

Can the menstrual cycle trigger hypomanic episodes in bipolar disorder?

This case describes an 18-year-old woman with bipolar disorder who experienced hypomanic episodes aligned with her menstrual cycle since the start of her periods, followed by depressive episodes. This shows that mood episodes and the menstrual cycle can be connected in some people.

Early or limited evidence One 18-year-old girl with bipolar-II disorder

What they did

This case report describes the medical history of an 18-year-old girl with bipolar-II disorder who had recurrent hypomanic episodes associated with every menstrual cycle since her first period, followed by major depressive episodes.

What they found

The patient had a pattern of hypomanic episodes aligned with all menstrual cycles since the start of her periods, followed by major depressive episodes.

What it means for you

This unusual case shows that the menstrual cycle can be connected to bipolar symptoms. It highlights that doctors need to ask patients about when their mood episodes occur in relation to their menstrual cycle, as cycle-related mood changes can sometimes be confused with bipolar disorder. More research is needed to understand this connection.

18

Age of patient

About the study

Original title
Rapid cycling bipolar-II disorder presenting as hypomanic episodes associated with menstruation: a case report
Authors
Sayanti Ghosh
Journal
Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry
Year
2013
Study design
Case report
What was tested
No treatment tested
Open access
Yes

Topics