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.
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
Topics
Related studies
Cohort study, 2025
Do pain sensitivity and negative thinking explain how trauma and stress cause PMS or PMDD?
Cohort study, 2022
How common are suicidal thoughts and self-harm in people with PMDD?
Cohort study, 2004
What risk factors cause PMDD to develop?
Review, 2000
What conditions beyond depression can antidepressants treat?
Survey study, 2026
Do mindfulness, self-compassion and sense of coherence protect against severe PMS and PMDD?
Survey study, 2025
Is school bullying linked to premenstrual disorders in adolescent girls?