Premenstrual Symptoms as an Indicator of Bipolar Affective Disorder

The premenstrual occurrence or exacerbation of affective symptoms has been noted (Dalton, 1964). This symptom exacerbation may be sufficient to require hospitalization (Dalton, 1959; Janowsky et al., 1966). Data presented by Coppen (1965) indicate that women with affective disorder are more likely to report the premenstrual symptom of depression than women with other psychiatric disorders. These findings suggest that there may be some relationship between depressive disorder and premenstrual symptoms. However, we are aware of no previous report that would suggest any relationship between premenstrual symptoms and bipolar affective disorder.