Systematic review, 2022
Does having PMDD increase the risk of depression during pregnancy or after birth?
Yes. Women with PMDD have higher risk of depression after giving birth. Evidence for depression during pregnancy is less clear from current studies.
What they did
Researchers searched medical databases for studies looking at whether women with PMDD go on to develop depression during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. They reviewed 7 original studies following systematic review guidelines.
What they found
One study found a link between PMDD and depression during pregnancy. Six studies examined postpartum depression. Five of these found women with PMDD history were more likely to develop postpartum depression. One study found no significant link. Postpartum depression was measured from 2 to 4 days up to 1 year after birth.
What it means for you
Women with PMDD have higher risk of depression after giving birth, suggesting shared biological causes. Doctors should screen women with PMDD for depression throughout pregnancy and the postpartum year. The studies used different methods and definitions, so results vary.
7
Studies reviewed
5/6
Postpartum studies showing increased risk
1.2-5%
PMDD prevalence rate
About the study
- Original title
- Association between premenstrual dysphoric disorder and perinatal depression: a systematic review
- Authors
- Pereira D, Pessoa AR, Madeira N et al.
- Journal
- Archives of women's mental health
- Year
- 2022
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- None (observational study of outcomes).
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s00737-021-01177-6
Topics
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