Challenges in diagnosis, treatment and coordination of care of menstrual psychosis

Abstract

We present a suspected case of menstrual psychosis in an adolescent to highlight the unique attributes of this rare condition. An early adolescent female began displaying episodes of aggression, irritability, insomnia, hallucinations and disorganisation at menarche. Subsequent episodes resulted in multiple inpatient psychiatric hospital admissions coinciding with her menstrual cycle. Management from both psychiatry and gynaecology of her episodes, and abnormal hormone levels, was challenging. This report emphasises the importance of coordination between specialties, navigating diagnostic challenges and weighing the risk versus benefit of long-term neuroleptic use.