Mental Health and the Menstrual Cycle
Overview
Premenstrual symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even psychosis affect a significant portion of menstruating people worldwide, yet most mental health practitioners receive very little to no training on this topic. This webinar will describe premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and premenstrual exacerbation of symptoms, with the participant learning how to articulate the differences between them. Assessment and evidence-based strategies are presented, and areas for future research discussed. Participants will also explore how normal hormonal fluctuations can activate significant mood and anxiety symptoms in vulnerable individuals, reinforcing the need for routine cycle-based screening in mental health care. This training will further address the unique considerations for non-cisgender patients and highlights the documented perimenstrual worsening of bipolar and psychotic disorders, underscoring the importance of inclusive and clinically-attuned practices.
Learning objectives
- Distinguish between the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), PMDD, and premenstrual symptom exacerbation
- Articulate strategies for recognizing and addressing perimenopausal mental health symptoms, as well as their impact on menstruating people’s lives
- Explain the link between the menstrual cycle and psychosis exacerbation
Professional credit
- This activity offers the following types of credit: APA, ABP-MOC, ABIM-MOC, ANCC, ASWB, ACCME, AAPA
- 1.0 CEs are available.