Survey study, 2000
Does premenstrual worsening of panic disorder increase suicide risk in women?
Yes. Women with panic disorder who experienced premenstrual worsening had higher suicide risk scores and were more likely to be considered suicidal than women whose panic did not worsen premenstrually. This was independent of depression.
What they did
Cross-sectional study comparing 28 women with panic disorder and premenstrual exacerbation to 42 women with panic disorder without premenstrual exacerbation. They rated panic symptoms, depression severity, and suicide risk using standardized scales.
What they found
Patients with premenstrual exacerbation of panic disorder had significantly higher suicide risk scores on standardized measures compared to those without premenstrual exacerbation. They were more likely to be classified as suicidal. The researchers suggest this increased suicide risk may be independent of major depression.
What it means for you
If you have panic disorder and notice it worsens before your period, that pattern may be associated with increased suicide risk and warrants careful monitoring. A major limitation is the small sample and observational design, so we cannot be certain the premenstrual worsening directly causes the increased risk.
28
Women with premenstrual panic exacerbation
42
Women without premenstrual panic exacerbation
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual exacerbation and suicidal behavior in patients with panic disorder
- Authors
- Başoğlu C, Cetin M, Semiz UB et al.
- Journal
- Comprehensive psychiatry
- Year
- 2000
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 42
- What was tested
- None. Observational comparison.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0010-440x(00)90141-x
Topics
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