Survey study, 1990
Can premenstrual anxiety and depression be confirmed with objective tests?
Yes, women with reported premenstrual anxiety and depression had higher objective test scores in the premenstrual phase. Results suggest two populations: one with pure PMS and another with underlying depression that worsens premenstrually.
What they did
Forty women who reported moderate to extreme premenstrual anxiety and depression took two objective psychological tests: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the IPAT Depression Scale. Tests were done once during days 5-10 of the cycle (low symptom phase) and once during the last 6 days (premenstrual phase).
What they found
Anxiety and depression scores were higher during the premenstrual phase (last 6 days) compared to days 5-10. The distribution of depression scores showed a bimodal pattern, suggesting two different populations: one with pure PMS and another with premenstrual exacerbation of subclinical depression.
What it means for you
Premenstrual anxiety and depression are real and measurable with objective tests. However, the study included only 40 women who already reported these symptoms, so findings may not apply to all women. The bimodal pattern suggests different women may have different causes for mood changes.
40
women studied
days 5-10
low symptom cycle phase
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual anxiety and depression: comparison of objective psychological tests with a retrospective questionnaire
- Authors
- Chisholm G, Jung SO, Cumming CE et al.
- Journal
- Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica
- Year
- 1990
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 40
- What was tested
- State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and IPAT Depression Scale testing at two cycle phases.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.1990.tb06448.x
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