---
title: Is PTSD really connected to PMDD, or is it just coincidence? | Niyora
description: The connection appears real. Women with PTSD had 11.7 times higher odds of PMDD, and most with both conditions reported childhood abuse or other trauma before
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/trauma-and-ptsd-an-overlooked-pathogenic-pathway-for-premenstrual-dysphoric-2003/
---

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- Is PTSD really connected to PMDD, or is it just coincidence?

Cohort study, 2003

# Is PTSD really connected to PMDD, or is it just coincidence?

The connection appears real. Women with PTSD had 11.7 times higher odds of PMDD, and most with both conditions reported childhood abuse or other trauma before PMDD started.

 Moderate study design

1488 women aged 14-24 in a community sample

## What they did

Researchers followed 1488 women aged 14-24 for 40-52 months, using diagnostic interviews to check for PTSD and PMDD. They then reviewed individual cases to understand the timing and type of trauma.

## What they found

The odds ratio between PTSD and PMDD was 11.7. At follow-up, 10 women had both full PTSD and subthreshold PMDD. Most reported childhood abuse that occurred before PMDD developed. Some reported life-threatening attacks or witnessing traumatic events. Three women reported more than one traumatic event.

## What it means for you

Trauma and PTSD may directly cause PMDD in some women, especially those abused in childhood. This suggests PMDD may sometimes be trauma-related rather than purely hormonal. Much more research is needed.

11.7

odds ratio of PTSD to PMDD

10

women with both PTSD and subthreshold PMDD

3

women reporting multiple traumatic events

## About the study

Original title Trauma and PTSD - an overlooked pathogenic pathway for premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Authors Wittchen HU, Perkonigg A, Pfister H Journal Archives of women's mental health Year 2003 Study design Cohort study Participants 1,488 What was tested None (observational, tracking natural occurrence of trauma and PMDD) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s00737-003-0028-2](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-003-0028-2)

## 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/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[PTSD and trauma](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-ptsd-trauma/)

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