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Survey study, 2014

Can measuring a protein in blood cells help diagnose PMDD?

Lower levels of a protein called beta-arrestin1 were found in women with PMDD, and the reduction was correlated with more severe depression symptoms, suggesting this measurement could help diagnose PMDD.

Early or limited evidence Non-pregnant women aged 18-42 with PMS or PMDD symptoms, not on antidepressants

What they did

Non-pregnant women aged 18-42 with PMS or PMDD symptoms at the luteal phase (not taking antidepressants) were studied. Beta-arrestin1 protein in their blood cells was measured and compared with depression severity scores.

What they found

Women with depression (PMDD) had significantly lower beta-arrestin1 protein levels compared to those without depression. The reduction in beta-arrestin1 was significantly correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms.

What it means for you

Beta-arrestin1 measurements might be useful as a blood test to help diagnose PMDD and support questionnaire results. The study does not clearly state how many women were included.

18-42

Age range (years)

Luteal phase

Study timing

About the study

Original title
Correlation of beta‐arrestin1 levels in mononuclear leukocytes with depression scores for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (1144.2)
Authors
Tultul Nayyar, Farzana Alam, William D. Richie et al.
Journal
The FASEB Journal
Year
2014
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
None

Topics