Menstrual dysfunctions in disorders of the personality: Their nature and treatment

Abstract

1. In a study of the cases of 150 patients at Bloomingdale Hospital, suffering from personality disorders, the emotional factor was the only one that appeared to have a definite correlation, both quantitatively and qualitatively, with variations in the menstrual function. The fact that these menstrual variations seemed somewhat characteristic of the different types of personality disorders was due to the different emotional reactions which they presented. 2. A depressive mood, physical depletion, and motor underactivity are conducive to amenorrhea, irrespective of whether or not the patient is delusional or hallucinating. An expansive, elated, or ecstatic mood, with good physical condition and motor overactivity, predispose to a profuse and prolonged menstrual period. Agitation and worry are more apt to be associated with a profuse than a decreased flow. These various conditions are often intermingled and thus complicate the type of menstrual dysfunction and cause it to vary from time to time. 3. Treatment directed toward promoting the general health and alleviating the emotional distress of the patient was productive of the best results in menstrual dysfunctions associated with disorders of the personality. In no case did endocrine therapy directly shorten the period of amenorrhea or increase a diminished menstrual flow. In cases of dysmenorrhea and of profuse or prolonged menstruation, antuitrin-S offered subjective relief and appeared to diminish the flow, but did not shorten the duration of the period. © 1935 by The Endocrine Society.