THE RISK OF SECLUSION AND THE MENSTRUAL-CYCLE IN FEMALE PSYCHIATRIC-PATIENTS

The alleged clinically observed association between the use of seclusi on and the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle was studied in 113 cons ecutively admitted female psychiatric patients by means of a monitorin g of oestrogen and progesterone levels, the use of seclusion, age, dru g use, regularity of menses, and a history of hysterectomy. Twenty-one patients (18.6%) were in the luteal phase. During the study period, 1 4 patients (12.4%) had to be secluded. No significant difference in th e frequency of seclusion between luteal patients and patients in the o ther phases could be demonstrated. The findings indicate that the lute al phase of the menstrual cycle is not associated with an increased oc currence of seclusion in female psychiatric patients.