Menstrual Dysfunction in Women With Schizophrenia During Risperidone Maintenance Treatment

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Reproductive Endocrinology
• Pharmacological effects on women's health

Background:

• Antipsychotic medications, including risperidone, are associated with menstrual dysfunction in women with schizophrenia.
• Understanding the incidence and risk factors for menstrual dysfunction is crucial for managing women with schizophrenia undergoing long-term treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the occurrence of menstrual dysfunction in women with schizophrenia receiving maintenance risperidone.
• To investigate the relationship between menstrual dysfunction and risperidone dosage, treatment duration, and clinical symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 161 women in the Risperidone Maintenance Treatment in Schizophrenia study.
• Assessment of menstrual health at baseline and follow-up interviews up to 52 weeks.
• Evaluation of patient characteristics, menstrual conditions, and risperidone dose and duration.

Main Results:

• At baseline, 73.2% of patients were eumenorrheic, with menstrual dysfunctions noted in 26.8%.
• During maintenance treatment, 37.9% of all patients experienced menstrual dysfunction.
• Risperidone dose (r = 0.187, P = 0.046) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores (r = 0.274, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with menstrual dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Menstrual dysfunction is a notable adverse effect of risperidone maintenance treatment in women with schizophrenia.
• The onset of menstrual dysfunction can vary, and it is partly dependent on the risperidone dosage.
• Clinical monitoring for menstrual irregularities is recommended for women with schizophrenia on risperidone.