---
title: Does having epilepsy increase the risk of PMDD, and what makes it worse?
description: The study suggests epilepsy and certain antiepileptic drugs may influence PMDD severity in women with epilepsy, but findings are preliminary. Specific medicat
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-in-women-with-epilepsy-relationships-to-2011/
---

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- Does having epilepsy increase the risk of PMDD, and what makes it worse?

Cohort study, 2011

# Does having epilepsy increase the risk of PMDD, and what makes it worse?

The study suggests epilepsy and certain antiepileptic drugs may influence PMDD severity in women with epilepsy, but findings are preliminary. Specific medications like carbamazepine and lamotrigine appear to affect PMDD differently.

 Early or limited evidence

Women with epilepsy and controls without epilepsy (sample size not specified in abstract).

## What they did

Prospective observational study comparing women with epilepsy to women without epilepsy. Researchers examined whether PMDD frequency and severity differed between groups and looked for links between PMDD symptoms and features of epilepsy (which side and location of the brain was affected), antiepileptic medications used, and reproductive hormone levels.

## What they found

The study identified potential associations between PMDD severity and multiple factors in women with epilepsy: the side and location of epileptic seizure focus, whether a woman had regular ovulatory cycles, specific antiepileptic drugs used, and hormone levels. Women taking carbamazepine or lamotrigine appeared to have different PMDD patterns than those on levetiracetam. Hormone-related factors also appeared relevant.

## What it means for you

Women with epilepsy may be at particular risk for PMDD, and their choice of antiepileptic medication may matter for managing premenstrual symptoms. However, the abstract uses cautious language suggesting these are preliminary findings, not proven cause-and-effect relationships. Sample size is not specified, limiting assessment.

Right-sided

Seizure location with greater PMDD severity

Temporal

Seizure focus with greater PMDD severity

Carbamazepine

Antiepileptic with better mood profile

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual dysphoric disorder in women with epilepsy: relationships to potential epileptic, antiepileptic drug, and reproductive endocrine factors Authors Herzog AG, Smithson SD, Fowler KM et al. Journal Epilepsy & behavior : E&B Year 2011 Study design Cohort study What was tested None (observational study of existing conditions and medications). Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.05.024](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.05.024)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiolytics and other psychotropics](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-anxiolytics/)[Epilepsy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-epilepsy/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)

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