---
title: Does suppressing your true self in relationships contribute to women's mental health problems including PMDD?
description: Theory suggests that women who suppress their authentic thoughts and feelings in relationships may develop psychiatric conditions including PMDD. However, res
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/silencing-the-self-and-women-s-mental-health-problems-a-narrative-review-2020/
---

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- Does suppressing your true self in relationships contribute to women's mental health problems including PMDD?

Review, 2020

# Does suppressing your true self in relationships contribute to women's mental health problems including PMDD?

Theory suggests that women who suppress their authentic thoughts and feelings in relationships may develop psychiatric conditions including PMDD. However, research specifically testing this connection is limited.

 Early or limited evidence

Literature review on women's mental health (not a primary study of people)

## What they did

Narrative review of literature on the silencing the self theory in relation to women's mental health problems including depression, eating disorders, and PMDD.

## What they found

The review examined existing work on how silencing the self (suppressing authentic thoughts and feelings in relationships) relates to psychiatric illnesses in women. The theory emphasizes the importance of relationships and cultural factors in women's mental health.

## What it means for you

The theory suggests that relationships and social factors matter for women's mental health including PMDD. However, the specific connection between silencing the self and PMDD needs more investigation.

## About the study

Original title 'Silencing the self' and women's mental health problems: A narrative review Authors Emran A, Iqbal N, Dar IA Journal Asian journal of psychiatry Year 2020 Study design Review What was tested None Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102197](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102197)

## Topics

[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Eating disorders](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-eating-disorders/)[Stigma, attitudes and culture](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-stigma-culture/)

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## Related studies

Case-control study, 2010

Do women with PMDD crave high-sugar and high-fat foods more than other women?

Interview study, 2024

How does PMDD affect eating behaviors, and what barriers do people face seeking help?

Survey study, 2023

What factors most influence PMS severity in college students?

Survey study, 2021

Is disordered eating more common in women with PMDD?

Case-control study, 1997

Are PMDD and eating disorders related?

Systematic review, 2026

Can digital tools help diagnose PMDD?

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