t has been shown that during menstruation a deterioration occurs both in a schoolgirl 's work and in her behaviour (Dalton, 1960a, 1960c), and it is also at this time that women are most liable to be involved in accidents
(Dalton, 1960b) or to be admitted to hospital with an acute psychiatric illness (Dalton, 1959). This gradual recognition of the social significance of menstruation in the various aspects of a woman 's life has led to an investigation of the importance of the menstrual factor in crime.
Over a period of six months in one of H.M. Prisons
I interviewed ail newly convicted women below the age of 55 on the first weekday after their sentence. The prisoners were asked their age, parity, duration of menstruation, length of cycle, date …show more content…
A similar interview was arranged for all prisoners who had been reported to the governor for bad behaviour while serving their …show more content…
These findings again emphasize the need for a simple test for the presence of premenstrual tension. Unfortunately, the severity and type of symptom may vary from month to month and symptoms increase at times of stress, thereby adding to the difficulties of diagnosis.
Premenstrual tension responds to treatment, but such treatment would need to be continued after the expiration of the prison sentence if any improvement in criminal tendency is to be expected; this suggests the need for such women being placed on probation subject to regular medical supervision.
Summary
An investigation carried out in a women 's prison revealed that almost half the women committed their crime during menstruation or the premenstruum.
Premenstrual tension appears to be an important factor, and 63% of the sufferers committed their crime at the time of their symptoms.
I wish to thank the Governor and members of the Prison
Medical Service for their co-operation and helpful suggestions.
This paper is published with permission of the Prison
Commission though it does not necessarily represent
(Dalton, 1960b) or to be admitted to hospital with an acute psychiatric illness (Dalton, 1959). This gradual recognition of the social significance of menstruation in the various aspects of a woman 's life has led to an investigation of the importance of the menstrual factor in crime.
Over a period of six months in one of H.M. Prisons
I interviewed ail newly convicted women below the age of 55 on the first weekday after their sentence. The prisoners were asked their age, parity, duration of menstruation, length of cycle, date …show more content…
A similar interview was arranged for all prisoners who had been reported to the governor for bad behaviour while serving their …show more content…
These findings again emphasize the need for a simple test for the presence of premenstrual tension. Unfortunately, the severity and type of symptom may vary from month to month and symptoms increase at times of stress, thereby adding to the difficulties of diagnosis.
Premenstrual tension responds to treatment, but such treatment would need to be continued after the expiration of the prison sentence if any improvement in criminal tendency is to be expected; this suggests the need for such women being placed on probation subject to regular medical supervision.
Summary
An investigation carried out in a women 's prison revealed that almost half the women committed their crime during menstruation or the premenstruum.
Premenstrual tension appears to be an important factor, and 63% of the sufferers committed their crime at the time of their symptoms.
I wish to thank the Governor and members of the Prison
Medical Service for their co-operation and helpful suggestions.
This paper is published with permission of the Prison
Commission though it does not necessarily represent