Survey study, 2004
How common is PMS and premenstrual worsening of psychiatric symptoms in women with mental health disorders?
Very common. Between 52% and 80% of women with anxiety, depression, or panic disorder reported PMS symptoms, and between 36% and 52% experienced worsening of their psychiatric symptoms before their period.
What they did
200 Chinese women outpatients (50 each with generalized anxiety disorder, depression, panic disorder, or schizophrenia) were assessed for PMS symptoms and for premenstrual exacerbation, meaning worsening of their existing psychiatric symptoms.
What they found
PMS symptoms were reported by 78% of women with anxiety disorder, 80% with depression, 68% with panic disorder, and 52% with schizophrenia. Premenstrual worsening of psychiatric symptoms occurred in 52% with anxiety, 52% with depression, 36% with panic disorder, and 20% with schizophrenia. More PMS symptoms were associated with more severe premenstrual worsening.
What it means for you
Women with anxiety and depression commonly experience PMS, and often their mental health symptoms get worse before their period, suggesting the menstrual cycle affects mental health. The main limitation is a small Chinese sample with no explanation of why this happens.
200
outpatients assessed
80%
of depression group reporting PMS
52%
of depression group with premenstrual exacerbation
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual symptoms and premenstrual exacerbation in patients with psychiatric disorders
- Authors
- Hsiao MC, Hsiao CC, Liu CY
- Journal
- Psychiatry and clinical neurosciences
- Year
- 2004
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1819.2003.01215.x
Topics
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