Survey study, 2012
Is severe PMS linked to psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety?
Yes. Women with PMS have significantly higher depression, anxiety, aggression and interpersonal sensitivity than healthy women. These symptoms increase as PMS becomes more severe.
What they did
Cross-sectional study comparing 264 women with PMS/PMDD and 126 healthy controls in Iran. All completed questionnaires about daily symptoms and psychiatric symptoms using a standardized checklist.
What they found
Women with PMS had significantly higher scores on depression, anxiety, aggression, and interpersonal sensitivity compared to healthy women. Psychiatric symptoms increased with PMS severity from mild to severe. Significant differences appeared between cycle day 3 and day 13.
What it means for you
Women with severe PMS often have mental health symptoms that may need treatment. Doctors should screen for psychiatric conditions in PMS patients. Main limit: cross-sectional design, so cannot determine if PMS causes these symptoms or vice versa.
264
women with PMS/PMDD
126
healthy controls
About the study
- Original title
- The Relationship between Severity of Premenstrual Syndrome and Psychiatric Symptoms
- Authors
- Firoozi R, Kafi M, Salehi I et al.
- Journal
- Iranian journal of psychiatry
- Year
- 2012
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 390
- What was tested
- None - observational study
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23056116/
Topics
Related studies
Study, 2026
What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Survey study, 2023
How common are PMS and PMDD among college girls, and what are their symptoms?
Randomised trial, 2021
Does hypnotherapy reduce pain and emotional distress in women with PMDD?
Interview study, 2019
Which PMDD symptoms are most common in college students?
Survey study, 2026
How common is premenstrual tension and does it affect university students' studies?
Survey study, 2023
Does childhood trauma increase the risk of PMDD?