State-dependent alterations in the perception of life events in menstrual-related mood disorders

Article Abstract:

A variety of symptoms have been observed in some women during the late luteal phase of their menstrual cycle, that is, after the release of ovum and before menses, that may be symptomatic of mood disorders. The precise nature of the relationship between psychiatric disorders and phases of the menstrual cycle is still uncertain. A group of 40 women who had been prospectively confirmed with a menstrual-related mood disorder were monitored during the follicular (pre-ovulation phase) and late luteal phases of their cycles. Twenty asymptomatic women, used as a control, were similarly observed through their menstrual cycles. The subjects were self-referred to the clinic where the data were gathered and they ranged in age from 22 to 45 years. Changes in the women's perceptions of daily life events were noted as state alterations of the menstrual cycle were experienced in the two groups. Significant state-dependent changes were observed in the experimental group compared with the control. The experimental group also reported a higher number of negative life events during the late luteal phase than during the follicular stage of their cycle. A greater degree of sensitivity to the additional negative occurrences that were perceived by the experimental group was also reported. Both of these factors exceeded reports of distress-related or mood-altering events by the control group. The symptoms of the women with menstrual-related mood disorders appeared to be strongly influenced by the menstrual phase they were undergoing; more symptoms were felt during the late luteal phases of the cycle. These results suggest that the assessment of life events by women with this disorder may be strongly influenced by their perception of circumstances rather than the actual stimuli. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Demographic aspects, Affective disorders, Mood disorders, Menstrual cycle, Luteal phase

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Anxiety disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease

Article Abstract:

Previous research has indicated that individuals with Parkinson's disease are at higher risk for psychiatric disorders. Depression and dementia (impaired cognitive function), in particular, have been associated with victims of Parkinson's disease. Drugs that are typically prescribed for this disorder include compounds that influence brain chemistry and may result in psychiatric symptoms such as delirium and psychosis. Twenty-four patients with Parkinson's disease but no symptoms of dementia participated in this study. Clinical data were obtained and the prevalence of previous psychiatric disorders in these individuals was assessed. Thirty-eight percent (nine individuals) of the patients were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder that was considered clinically significant. This was greater than the five to 15 percent incidence of anxiety disorders estimated in the general population. Lifetime prevalence of social phobia or panic disorder was also higher in the study group. Three general explanations were suggested to account for these results. Anxiety disorders may be the result of a reaction by the individual to having a chronic debilitating illness; psychiatric symptoms may also be a side effect of the drug treatments given for this disease - L-dopa, in particular, is know to cause increased motor fluctuations; and finally, anxiety disorders may be a direct result of the progression of Parkinson's disease, the causal mechanism of which is currently unknown. Because the results of this trial have raised additional questions concerning Parkinson's disease, more research is recommended. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Complications and side effects, Anxiety, Parkinsonism

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