Study, 2018
Does aggression change during the menstrual cycle in borderline personality disorder?
Yes, different types of aggression change at different times in the cycle. Reactive aggression was highest during the days around the period, while a different type of aggression (proactive) was highest during other parts of the cycle.
What they did
15 women with borderline personality disorder who were not taking medications tracked their anger and aggression every day for 35 days across their menstrual cycle. Ovulation was confirmed with hormone tests.
What they found
Reactive aggression and anger were highest during the perimenstrual phase (around menstruation). Proactive aggression was highest during the follicular and ovulatory phases of the cycle.
What it means for you
This shows aggression may change during the menstrual cycle in women with this condition. Women might benefit from tracking their cycle to understand when symptoms may worsen. The study was small (15 women) with no control group, so more research is needed to confirm these patterns.
15
women with borderline personality disorder
35 days
duration of tracking
About the study
- Original title
- Differential Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Reactive and Proactive Aggression in Borderline Personality Disorder
- Authors
- Peters JR, Owens SA, Schmalenberger KM et al.
- Journal
- bioRxiv
- Year
- 2018
- Study design
- Study
- What was tested
- Daily tracking of anger and aggression
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1101/452607
Topics
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