Review, 2015
What causes PMDD?
A review suggests that neurosteroids and stress may be key contributors to PMDD. PMDD is characterized by cognitive-affective symptoms in the premenstrual phase and is distinct from other mood disorders. More research is needed to confirm these mechanisms.
What they did
A literature review synthesized recent research on the causes of PMDD, with focus on neurosteroids and stress. The review explores potential treatment targets and notes that PMDD was recently designated as a disorder in the DSM-5.
What they found
The review discusses that neurosteroids may be a key contributor to PMDD's clinical presentation and etiology. Stress is also identified as a potential contributor. PMDD's profile, characterized by cognitive-affective symptoms during the premenstrual phase, is unique compared to other affective disorders in its symptoms and cyclicity.
What it means for you
Understanding what causes PMDD, particularly the roles of neurosteroids and stress, could lead to better treatments. PMDD's recent inclusion in DSM-5 as an official disorder increases research attention. However, this is a review synthesizing existing research, not original new findings, so the specific mechanisms still need additional investigation.
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Epidemiology and Treatment
- Authors
- Hantsoo L, Epperson CN
- Journal
- Current psychiatry reports
- Year
- 2015
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- None - literature review
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s11920-015-0628-3
Topics
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