Does menstrual cycle affect bipolar disorder patients or unipolar depression patients more?

Objective: Premenstrual symptoms are seen in most of the women in reproductive age. These symptoms not only effect womens mental state and functionality but also their personal relations. The relationship between premenstrual symptoms and mood disorders are quite complex. In DSM-5, Premenstrual Dysphoric Syndrome is classified under depressive disorders and it is suggested as a comorbidity with mood disorders or exacerbation of current mood disorder. Apart from the active episodes, what kind of problems do patients with mood disorders experience? Is exacerbation of symptoms or an increase in frequency of premenstrual dysphoric syndrome seen more compared to healthy controls is? In this present study, we tried to find answers for these questions. Methods: Women with bipolar euthymic (n=23) or major depressive disorder in remission (n=23) who were registered at Mersin University Research and Practice Hospital Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic of were included in this study, as well as 23 healthy control women. Sociodemographic data and clinical features regarding the course of the disorders were noted. All subjects were administered Premenstrual Assessment Form. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 11.5 and Chi Square, z test, ANOVA and Tukey HSD were used. Findings: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) was more frequent in the major depression group than the control group while its frequency in the bipolar group was similar to the control group. In the premenstrual assessment form; depressive mood/ loss of pleasure, hysteric features, hostility/ anger, impulsivity, organic mental features subscale scores, and the total score were higher in the depression group than the control group (p [PBS 2016; 6(4.000): 189-95]