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Recurrent Brief Episodes with Psychotic Features in Adolescence: Periodic Psychosis of Puberty Revisited

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Kazuhiko Abe  and
Mikio Ohta
Kazuhiko Abe*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
Mikio Ohta
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
*
Dr K. Abe, Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Yahata-Nishiku, Kitakyushu, 807 Japan
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Abstract

Background

There are many reports of adolescents with periodic episodes each followed by complete remission within 2 weeks, but the nosology and long-term prognosis of such cases have not been elucidated.

Method

A prospective follow-up study on 11 cases (nine girls and two boys) meeting predetermined criteria is reported.

Results

The first several episodes were found to meet ICD–10 symptomatic criteria for recurrent depressive disorder in all cases, and, except for two cases, showed psychotic features. The episodes were linked to one phase of the menstrual cycle in only two of six girls with regular menses. There were no recurrences while on lithium in eight of nine cases. Of eight patients followed up 5–14 years after the first onset, three had been well, three had become bipolar and two were still suffering from brief depressive episodes.

Conclusions

Recurrent brief episodes in adolescence tend to show a near-monthly rhythm and psychotic features. Most of them appear to be manifestations of affective illness and may be treated and prevented as such.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 167 , Issue 4 , October 1995 , pp. 507 - 513
Copyright
Copyright © 1995 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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