Menstruation-Induced Psychosis in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

Menstruation-induced psychosis (MIP) is a rare disorder with limited documentation in the medical literature. Most cases have been described in case reports, although multiple literature reviews have demonstrated the relationship between menses and psychosis. Here, we describe 2 episodes of rapid-onset psychosis in a healthy 15-year-old girl. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient and their father. On first evaluation, autoimmune encephalitis was the leading diagnosis of consideration. The patient received intravenous immune globulin, returning to baseline within 24 hours of administration. Extensive neurological workup was unrevealing, aside from mild cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, serum anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, and a fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) splenial lesion on magnetic resonance imaging. Psychotic symptoms began around the start of the patient's menstrual cycle, and both episodes were less than 1 week in duration. This report reviews the characteristics of MIP, details a case of recurrent psychosis that fits these characteristics, and adds a well-documented case to the growing series of reports. Given the rarity of MIP, it is essential to thoroughly document such cases. This case provides an example of the clinical presentation and disease course for pediatric patients presenting with MIP, and may serve as a reference for future work in understanding MIP. MIP is characterized by psychotic symptoms of acute onset and short duration that occur in association with the menstrual cycle.^1,2 MIP can present in any individual capable of menstruation, including those who do not identify as female. Per previous reports, patients generally have no history of mental illness prior to their first psychotic episode and completely recover their baseline functioning.¹ In this case, the patient's presentation is consistent with the characteristics previously described for MIP.¹.