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Gonadotropin-associated psychosis in perimenstrual behavior disorder
M Constant1, C A Abrams, F I Chasalow
1Department of Pediatrics, Schneider Children's Hospital, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New York, N.Y.
Hormone Research
|January 1, 1993
Summary
This study links increased gonadotropin levels to behavioral changes in adolescent girls. Treatment targeting gonadotropins improved aggressive and sexual behaviors, suggesting a hormonal cause.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Pediatric Psychiatry
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Excess androgens are linked to sexual and violent behaviors.
- Behavioral changes in adolescent girls warrant investigation into hormonal influences.
Observation:
- Two adolescent girls exhibited aggressive, bizarre sexual behavior coinciding with menarche.
- Behavioral changes correlated with peaks in gonadotropin hormone secretion, despite normal androgen levels.
Findings:
- A temporal relationship was identified between elevated gonadotropin levels and extreme behavioral disturbances.
- Hormonal fluctuations, specifically gonadotropins, may trigger significant behavioral changes.
Implications:
- Gonadotropin surges could induce psychosis or severe behavioral changes in susceptible adolescents.
- Targeting gonadotropin levels with treatments like medroxyprogesterone or leuprolide acetate shows promise for managing these behaviors.