---
title: Is PMDD a strong risk factor for postpartum depression? | Niyora
description: Yes, women with PMDD have a 9.3-fold higher risk of major postpartum depression than women without PMDD.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/risk-factors-associated-with-the-development-of-postpartum-mood-disorders-2005/
---

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- Is PMDD a strong risk factor for postpartum depression?

Cohort study, 2005

# Is PMDD a strong risk factor for postpartum depression?

Yes, women with PMDD have a 9.3-fold higher risk of major postpartum depression than women without PMDD.

 Moderate study design

1800 postpartum women (133 at high risk, 109 at low risk)

## What they did

A prospective study of 1800 postpartum women. They were assessed for risk factors 2-4 days after giving birth, then called back at 6-8 weeks to ask about mood changes.

## What they found

PMDD was the strongest risk factor found. Compared to women at low risk, women at high risk had a 9.3-fold increase in major depression, 1.5-fold increase in minor depression, 1.6-fold increase in postpartum blues, and 2.6-fold increase in adjustment disorder.

## What it means for you

Women with PMDD may be at much higher risk for mood problems after pregnancy and may need extra support or monitoring. However, the study asked women to remember past PMDD symptoms rather than measuring them directly, which could be less accurate.

1800

postpartum women

9.3

fold increase in major depression risk with PMDD

6-8 weeks

time of follow-up assessment after delivery

## About the study

Original title Risk factors associated with the development of postpartum mood disorders Authors Bloch M, Rotenberg N, Koren D et al. Journal Journal of affective disorders Year 2005 Study design Cohort study Participants 1,800 What was tested None (observational study) Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2005.04.007](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2005.04.007)

## 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/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

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