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Systematic review, 2022

Are PMDD and bipolar disorder connected?

Yes. PMDD is more common in women with bipolar disorder than in the general population, and bipolar disorder is more common in women with PMDD. Between 10% and 15% of women with PMDD also have bipolar disorder, while 27% to 76% of women with bipolar disorder also have PMDD.

Early or limited evidence Women with both PMDD and bipolar disorder diagnoses from 5 research studies

What they did

They searched five databases for studies published between 1987 and 2021 that included women with both PMDD and bipolar disorder diagnoses. They reviewed all studies that reported on both conditions together.

What they found

Only 5 studies were available. PMDD is more common among women with bipolar disorder than in the general population, and bipolar disorder is more common among women with PMDD than in the general population. The proportion of people with PMDD and diagnosed with bipolar disorder ranged from 10% to 15%. The proportion of people with bipolar disorder who received a PMDD diagnosis ranged from 27% to 76%.

What it means for you

These two conditions seem to be linked, but we don't have much research yet. The main limitations are that only 5 studies were available and they didn't use prospective monitoring of symptoms, which is the most reliable way to confirm PMDD.

5

studies included in review

10-15%

of women with PMDD also have bipolar disorder

27-76%

of women with bipolar disorder have PMDD

About the study

Original title
Relationship of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder With Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors
Sharma V, Mazmanian D, Eccles H
Journal
The Journal of clinical psychiatry
Year
2022
Study design
Systematic review

Topics