Survey study, 2021
Is disordered eating more common in women with PMDD?
Yes. Women with PMDD had disordered eating at 45.5%, much higher than those with moderate-to-severe PMS at 16.5% or no/mild PMS at 13.6%. Eating problems increase with symptom severity.
What they did
Researchers surveyed 504 female nursing students and used questionnaires to assess both premenstrual symptoms and eating behaviors.
What they found
Of 504 students, 15.9% met criteria for PMDD, 44% had moderate-to-severe PMS, and 40% had mild or no symptoms. Disordered eating was present in 45.5% of the PMDD group, 16.5% of the moderate-to-severe PMS group, and 13.6% of the no/mild PMS group. Women with PMDD also had higher scores for emotional eating and uncontrolled eating.
What it means for you
As premenstrual symptoms worsen, eating problems become more common, with PMDD showing the strongest link. This study only included nursing students, so results may not represent all women. It is unclear whether PMDD causes eating problems or eating problems contribute to PMDD.
15.9%
had PMDD
45.5%
disordered eating in PMDD group
16.5%
disordered eating in moderate-severe PMS
About the study
- Original title
- Association of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and Eating Behaviors Among Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
- Authors
- Çoban ÖG, Karakaya D, Önder A et al.
- Journal
- Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology
- Year
- 2021
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 504
- What was tested
- None - observational survey
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2020.11.019
Topics
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