Survey study, 1987
What is the link between mental health problems and menstrual symptoms like PMS?
Both psychiatric problems and personality traits linked to anxiety were significantly linked to PMS and period pain. The link suggests recent stressful life events and anxiety may play a role.
What they did
521 women aged 35-59 were randomly selected from patient lists at two general practices. They were interviewed at home using standardized psychiatric measures and detailed questions about menstrual and gynaecological symptoms.
What they found
Psychiatric problems and neuroticism (a personality trait involving anxiety) were significantly associated with PMS, dysmenorrhoea, excessive menstruation, and hot flushes. These associations were linked to recent adverse life events and psychiatric vulnerability.
What it means for you
Mental health and PMS are connected in middle-aged women, and stress or anxiety management might help. This was a snapshot study, so we cannot tell if anxiety causes PMS or PMS causes anxiety.
521
women aged 35-59
About the study
- Original title
- Psychiatric disorder and gynaecological symptoms in middle aged women: a community survey
- Authors
- Gath D, Osborn M, Bungay G et al.
- Journal
- British medical journal (Clinical research ed.)
- Year
- 1987
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 521
- What was tested
- none (observational)
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1136/bmj.294.6566.213
Topics
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