Mental Health and the Menstrual Cycle: Practitioner Attitudes, Confidence, and Practice

Abstract

There is evidence of significant fluctuations in mental health symptoms across the menstrual cycle, however it is not clear whether mental health practitioners routinely address this with their clients. This study aimed to explore the current practice, confidence, and attitudes of mental health professionals in considering the role of the menstrual cycle in their clients’ mental health. Mental health professionals working in Australia (N = 197) responded to an online survey. Findings indicate that while many mental health professionals are relatively confident in discussing the menstrual cycle it is not consistently common practice. Of eight psychological variables, participants perceived mood symptoms as most important to address in relation to client’s menstrual cycle, while risk to others and psychotic symptoms were perceived as least important. In terms of barriers to discussing the menstrual cycle, four categories of barriers identified were: lack of knowledge and training; not considering it to be relevant; shame and discomfort; practical barriers. Two categories relating to additional resources required to support this practice were: training and practical tools. Training opportunities, practice guidelines, and resources are required to support practitioners in considering and discussing the menstrual cycle with mental health clients.