Factors related to self-reporting of the pre-menstrual syndrome

Article Abstract:

Symptoms implicated in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) have been related to factors such as age, child-birth status (parity), psychopathology, employment, contraceptive method, and stress. In order to evaluate the relationships among symptoms, PMS status and such factors, a detailed questionnaire about health and feelings during the menstrual cycle was published in a British women's magazine, and an analysis of 5,457 replies was carried out. There was a high response rate for the 25- to 35-year-old age group. Four percent of respondents were under 20 years of age, and 13 percent were over 40. Sixty-two percent assessed themselves as being 'PMS sufferers', 31 percent were uncertain of their PMS status, and 7 percent said that they did not suffer from PMS. Mood symptoms, particularly irritability (65 percent) and anger (64 percent) were the most commonly reported of all PMS symptoms. Abdominal bloating and breast soreness were the most common physical symptoms. Women who used oral contraceptives were significantly less likely to report PMS, and this difference was even more pronounced for women who had never had children. A significant, unexplained relationship was found between PMS status and employment, with PMS being more prevalent among part-time workers (68 percent) than among unemployed women (61 percent) or those with full-time employment (56 percent). A significant relationship was also found between PMS status and stress. PMS was slightly more common among women who had given birth to children. The more years that a woman had experienced natural menstrual cycles (not modified by oral contraceptives) without pregnancy interruptions, the more likely she was to designate herself as a PMS sufferer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Risk factors, Physiological aspects, Surveys, Premenstrual syndrome

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Temporary Munchausen syndrome

Article Abstract:

Patients with Munchausen's syndrome seek and receive medical care, including hospitalizations and operations, by feigning psychological or physical illness. The syndrome is considered to be incurable. The case report of a woman with temporary Munchausen syndrome is presented. From age 16 to age 30, she had 91 hospital admissions for a wide range of symptoms. Medical diagnoses included: appendicitis, kidney disorder, meningitis, neuritis, spontaneous abortion, multiple sclerosis, endometritis, pulmonary embolism and prolapsed disc. She also had several operations including appendectomy, abdominal and gallbladder surgery, dilatation and curettage, and the removal of ovarian cysts. During many psychiatric hospitalizations her diagnoses included: hysteria, Munchausen syndrome, atypical depression, psychopathic personality, schizophreniform psychosis and anorexia nervosa. Psychiatric treatments included shock therapy, lithium, sleep treatment, insulin shock, psychotherapy, antidepressants and antipsychotic medications. Aside from a prolapsed disc, it is believed that all her other illnesses were feigned, and that the inconsistent therapeutic approaches and treatments she received may have prolonged her illness. In 1975 she began seeing a general practitioner for all her complaints. He worked with her over the years in a firm, consistent and confrontational way. She began to have fewer hospital admission and by 1983 was considered 'cured.' It is concluded that her recovery was helped by a stable, firm and consistent home environment and continuous, firm and sometimes authoritarian treatment. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Factitious disorder, Factitious disorders

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Interepisodic morbidity in Kleine-Levin syndrome

Article Abstract:

Kleine-Levin syndrome is a rare condition that usually affects teenagers. It has been considered benign, because the episodes that characterize the disease generally cease. The episodes often last for several weeks and involve increased sleeping time, compulsive eating, and a wide variety of behavioral and cognitive abnormalities. Three cases are described and suggest that the disease may not be as benign as it has previously seemed; in each case, behavioral and cognitive deficits persisted past the termination of the episodes. These included absentmindedness, insolence, and decreased school performance. In addition, in two of the cases, the episodes were preceded by high fever. Analysis of electroencephalograms, CT scans, and other measurements used to diagnose gross structural brain damage was unrevealing. It is concluded that if the persistence of deficits between episodes of Kleine-Levin syndrome do indicate organic brain dysfunction, the cause is probably at the neurophysiological or microanatomical level. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Complications and side effects, Behavior disorders in children, Childhood mental disorders, Kleine-Levin syndrome

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