Reproductive variables and gynaecological service use in delusional disorder outpatients

Abstract

IntroductionOestrogens have been hypothesized to have a protective effect in psychotic disorders. Women with schizophrenia have a later age of menarche, fewer pregnancies and earlier age of menopause. However, little information is available focusing on delusional disorder (DD). We aimed to evaluate gynaecological variables and psychopathology, and rates of gynaecological service use in female DD outpatients. MethodsFourty-six outpatients with DD (DSM-IV-TR) were attended at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, from 2008 to 2013. Demographic and clinical variables, as well as gynaecological features were recorded in 25 women with DD. Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-17 for depression, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for psychopathology, Personal and Social Performance for functionality, and Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale were assessed. ResultsMean age of menarche (SD) was 12.83(1.54) years, mean age of menopause 48.73(2.69), mean age at onset of DD was 48.70(13.03). 48% of the sample did not receive gynaecological attention in the last 2–3 years. No statistically significant correlations were found between age at menopause and age at onset of DD. Age at menopause showed a tendency to be negatively correlated with Personal and Social Performance total scores (r=−0.431; P=.074), and was positively associated with suicidal ideation intensity (r=0.541; P=.038). However, after controlling for social support variables, this relationship was no longer significant. ConclusionsAlthough a small sample size, this is the first study to specifically examine gynaecological variables in DD. Low compliance rates in gynaecological service use were found. No correlations between age at menopause and clinical variables were statistically significant.