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Asif M. Unveiling the silent struggle: Lack of awareness about PMDD and its unseen impact on women's health in Pakistan. Asian J Psychiatr 2024; 94:103967. [PMID: 38350327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2024.103967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Maheen Asif
- Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Jail Road, Lahore, Pakistan.
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Kaltsouni E, Schmidt F, Zsido RG, Eriksson A, Sacher J, Sundström-Poromaa I, Sumner RL, Comasco E. Electroencephalography findings in menstrually-related mood disorders: A critical review. Front Neuroendocrinol 2024; 72:101120. [PMID: 38176542 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The female reproductive years are characterized by fluctuations in ovarian hormones across the menstrual cycle, which have the potential to modulate neurophysiological and behavioral dynamics. Menstrually-related mood disorders (MRMDs) comprise cognitive-affective or somatic symptoms that are thought to be triggered by the rapid fluctuations in ovarian hormones in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. MRMDs include premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and premenstrual exacerbation (PME) of other psychiatric disorders. Electroencephalography (EEG) non-invasively records in vivo synchronous activity from populations of neurons with high temporal resolution. The present overview sought to systematically review the current state of task-related and resting-state EEG investigations on MRMDs. Preliminary evidence indicates lower alpha asymmetry at rest being associated with MRMDs, while one study points to the effect being luteal-phase specific. Moreover, higher luteal spontaneous frontal brain activity (slow/fast wave ratio as measured by the delta/beta power ratio) has been observed in persons with MRMDs, while sleep architecture results point to potential circadian rhythm disturbances. In this review, we discuss the quality of study designs as well as future perspectives and challenges of supplementing the diagnostic and scientific toolbox for MRMDs with EEG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisavet Kaltsouni
- Department of Womeńs and Childreńs Health, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Felix Schmidt
- Department of Womeńs and Childreńs Health, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden; Centre for Women's Mental Health during the Reproductive Lifespan, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rachel G Zsido
- Cognitive Neuroendocrinology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Neuroscience Laboratory for Sex Differences in the Brain, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Allison Eriksson
- Centre for Women's Mental Health during the Reproductive Lifespan, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Womeńs and Childreńs Health, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Julia Sacher
- Cognitive Neuroendocrinology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Germany; Clinic of Cognitive Neurology, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Erika Comasco
- Department of Womeńs and Childreńs Health, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden.
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Management of Premenstrual Disorders: ACOG Clinical Practice Guideline No. 7. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 142:1516-33. [PMID: 37973069 DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide recommendations for the management of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, collectively referred to as premenstrual disorders, based on assessment of the evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of available treatment options. An overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of premenstrual disorders also is included to provide readers with relevant background information and context for the clinical recommendations. TARGET POPULATION Reproductive-aged adults and adolescents with premenstrual symptoms. METHODS This guideline was developed using an a priori protocol in conjunction with a writing team consisting of two specialists in obstetrics and gynecology appointed by the ACOG Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines-Gynecology and one external subject matter expert. ACOG medical librarians completed a comprehensive literature search for primary literature within Cochrane Library, Cochrane Collaboration Registry of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, PubMed, and MEDLINE. Studies that moved forward to the full-text screening stage were assessed by two authors from the writing team based on standardized inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included studies underwent quality assessment, and a modified GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations) evidence-to-decision framework was applied to interpret and translate the evidence into recommendation statements. RECOMMENDATIONS This Clinical Practice Guideline includes recommendations on the following evidence-based treatment options for premenstrual disorders, with an acknowledgement that many patients may benefit from a multimodal approach that combines several interventions: pharmacologic agents (hormonal and nonhormonal), psychological counseling, complementary and alternative treatments, exercise and nutritional therapies, patient education and self-help strategies, and surgical management. Recommendations are classified by strength and evidence quality. Ungraded Good Practice Points are included to provide guidance when a formal recommendation could not be made because of inadequate or nonexistent evidence. Based on review of extrapolated data from adult populations and expert consensus, it was determined that the recommendations also apply to adolescents, with a few exceptions that are noted in the Clinical Practice Guideline.
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Ramey ES. Tracking Menstrual Cycles for Mood Insight and Suicide Prevention. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2023; 61:5-6. [PMID: 36720067 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20230111-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Erica S Ramey
- University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, Alabama
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Chan K, Rubtsova AA, Clark CJ. Exploring diagnosis and treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in the U.S. healthcare system: a qualitative investigation. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:272. [PMID: 37198676 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02334-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a premenstrual condition that affects 3-8% of the US population, yet knowledge on treatment and consistent diagnostic testing is lacking. While research concerning the epidemiology and pharmaceutical treatments for this condition has increased, there is a lack of qualitative studies on the experiences of patients who live with this condition. The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic and treatment experiences of PMDD patients in the U.S. healthcare system and identify barriers to diagnosis and treatment. METHODS This study uses a feminist framework with qualitative phenomenological methods. We recruited participants who identified as having PMDD, regardless of official diagnosis, through online forums within the U.S. PMDD community. The study conducted 32 in depth interviews with participants on their experiences with PMDD diagnosis and treatment. Thematic analysis methods revealed key barriers within the diagnostic and care process including patient, provider, and societal barriers. RESULTS This study presents a PMDD Care Continuum that represents the timeline of participant experiences beginning from symptom onset towards official diagnosis, treatments, and ongoing management of the condition. Participant experiences demonstrated that much of the diagnostic and treatment processes were burdened on the patient, and that successful navigation within the healthcare system was dependent on high levels of self-advocacy. CONCLUSIONS This was the first study to describe the qualitative experiences of patients who identified as having PMDD in the U.S. Further research is needed to refine and operationalize diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines for PMDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiera Chan
- Emory University, Atlanta, United States.
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Takeda T. Premenstrual disorders: Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:510-518. [PMID: 36317488 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the term premenstrual disorders (PMDs), which includes premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder as a continuum, has been proposed. Although the precise etiology of PMDs remains unknown, the involvement of hormonal fluctuations is clear. The brain transmitters, serotonin and γ-amino butyric acid, also seem to be involved. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors and oral contraceptives are the current mainstay of treatment, but these are insufficient. Even the currently used prospective two-period symptom diary is not widely used in actual clinical practice, creating a major problem of discrepancy between research and clinical practice. In this review, I would like to outline the latest information and problems in the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of PMDs, with an emphasis on promising new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Takeda
- Division of Women's Health, Research Institute of Traditional Asian Medicine, Kindai University School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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Ciccone N, Kovacheff MB, Frey BN. The pharmacotherapeutic management of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:145-151. [PMID: 35974667 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2114345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition associated with substantial mental distress, impaired psychosocial functioning, high rates of co-morbid psychiatric conditions, and elevated risk of suicide. AREAS COVERED We provide an update on epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of PMDD, with a focus on the pharmacological management of this condition. EXPERT OPINION Given the high rates of false positives from retrospective assessments, prospective daily symptom monitoring for a minimal of two symptomatic menstrual cycles is critical to accurately confirm (or rule out) the diagnosis of PMDD. Serotonin-based antidepressants are well-established first-line treatments of PMDD. Second-line treatment includes the use of combined, monophasic oral contraceptives. In mild to moderate cases, independent meta-analyses have shown efficacy of Chasteberry extract (Vitex agnus cactus). Preliminary results with compounds blocking the synthesis of allopregnanolone are promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Ciccone
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maya B Kovacheff
- Mood Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benicio N Frey
- Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Mood Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Frey BN, Allega OR, Eltayebani M, Syan SK, Mendes-Ribeiro J, Minuzzi L. A DSM-5-based tool to monitor concurrent mood and premenstrual symptoms: the McMaster Premenstrual and Mood Symptom Scale (MAC-PMSS). BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:96. [PMID: 35354450 PMCID: PMC8969316 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01678-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite high co-morbidity between premenstrual dysphoric disorder and mood disorders, there is a gap of research-based tools to monitor concurrent premenstrual and mood symptoms. In this study, we developed a new DSM-5-based questionnaire to prospectively monitor concurrent premenstrual and mood symptoms.
Methods Fifty-two females with bipolar or major depressive disorder, ages 16–45, were enrolled in the study. Participants completed two months of prospective symptom charting including the McMaster Premenstrual and Mood Symptom Scale (MAC-PMSS) and the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP). At the end of the prospective charting, participants also completed the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). The MAC-PMSS was correlated with the DRSP, MADRS, HDRS and YMRS. Results All individual items of the MAC-PMSS correlated strongly with the individual DRSP scores (all p < 0.001). The mood section of the MAC-PMSS also significantly correlated with MADRS (r = 0.572; p < 0.01), HDRS (r = 0.555; p < 0.01) and YMRS scores (r = 0.456; p < 0.01). Conclusions The MAC-PMSS is a reliable to tool to measure concurrent mood and premenstrual symptoms in women with mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benicio N Frey
- Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Suite C124, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada. .,Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada. .,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Olivia R Allega
- Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Suite C124, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Maha Eltayebani
- Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Suite C124, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada.,Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sabrina K Syan
- Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Suite C124, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Jeronimo Mendes-Ribeiro
- Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Suite C124, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Luciano Minuzzi
- Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Suite C124, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada.,Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Eisenlohr-Moul T, Divine M, Schmalenberger K, Murphy L, Buchert B, Wagner-Schuman M, Kania A, Raja S, Miller AB, Barone J, Ross J. Prevalence of lifetime self-injurious thoughts and behaviors in a global sample of 599 patients reporting prospectively confirmed diagnosis with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:199. [PMID: 35303811 PMCID: PMC8933886 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03851-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Americans ages 10 to 34, with alarming recent increases in suicide rates among those assigned female at birth. A large body of evidence points to menstrual cycle influences on self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (STBs), suggesting that neurobiological hormone sensitivities, such as in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), may drive suicide risk in females. However, existing studies of STBs in PMDD use cross-sectional self-report measures of PMDD with poor validity. As a first step to establish accurate prevalence rates of STBs in PMDD, we examined the lifetime prevalence of STBs in a large global survey of patients reporting a diagnosis of PMDD based on daily ratings. METHOD Individuals with self-reported PMDD symptoms were invited to an online survey through online support groups for PMDD and social media posts from PMDD awareness accounts. Participants reported demographics, whether they had been diagnosed with PMDD by a healthcare provider using daily ratings, STBs using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, and history of lifetime comorbid psychiatric diagnoses. RESULTS Of 2,689 survey completers, 599 (23%) reported a diagnosis with PMDD based on two months of daily ratings and were included in analyses. We observed high rates of lifetime active suicidal ideation (72%), planning (49%), intent (42%), preparing for an attempt (40%), and attempt (34%), as well as non-suicidal self-injury (51%). The majority (70%) of the sample reported at least one lifetime comorbid psychiatric diagnosis. Predictors of lifetime active suicidal ideation included nulliparity, low-to-moderate (vs. high) income, and history of diagnosis with major depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Predictors of lifetime attempts among those reporting lifetime active ideation included older age, nulliparity, lower income, and history of diagnosis with post-traumatic stress disorder or borderline personality disorder. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate high rates of STBs among those reporting prospective diagnosis of PMDD and highlight the need for prospective research on mechanisms and prevention of STBs in PMDD. Clinical practice guidelines for PMDD should accommodate comorbidities and recommend frequent screenings for STB risk. STBs should be considered for inclusion in future iterations of the DSM PMDD diagnostic criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tory Eisenlohr-Moul
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 912 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- International Association for Premenstrual Disorders, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Madeline Divine
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 912 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Katja Schmalenberger
- International Association for Premenstrual Disorders, Boston, MA, USA
- Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura Murphy
- International Association for Premenstrual Disorders, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brett Buchert
- International Association for Premenstrual Disorders, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melissa Wagner-Schuman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 912 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alyssa Kania
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 912 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Sabina Raja
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 912 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Adam Bryant Miller
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- RTI International, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Jordan Barone
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 912 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Jaclyn Ross
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 912 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
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Hantsoo L, Rangaswamy S, Voegtline K, Salimgaraev R, Zhaunova L, Payne JL. Premenstrual symptoms across the lifespan in an international sample: data from a mobile application. Arch Womens Ment Health 2022; 25:903-910. [PMID: 36018464 PMCID: PMC9492621 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-022-01261-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Premenstrual symptoms, including physical and mood symptoms, affect a large proportion of women worldwide. Data on premenstrual symptoms across nations and age groups is limited. In the present study, we leveraged a large international dataset to explore patterns in premenstrual symptom frequency with age. A survey was administered to users of the Flo mobile application (app), aged 18 to 55. The survey queried app users about a range of premenstrual symptoms. Respondents were asked whether they experienced each symptom every menstrual cycle, some cycles, or never. Age was also captured and categorized as 18-27, 28-37, 38-47, 48-55. Data was summarized and Pearson's chi square test for count data assessed differences in symptom frequency by age group. A sample of 238,114 app users from 140 countries responded to the survey. The most common symptoms reported were food cravings (85.28%), mood swings or anxiety (64.18%), and fatigue (57.3%). Absentmindedness, low libido, sleep changes, gastrointestinal symptoms, weight gain, headaches, sweating or hot flashes, fatigue, hair changes, rashes, and swelling were significantly more frequent with increasing age (p's < 0.001). Mood swings and anxiety did not vary by age group. Of the respondents, 28.61% reported that premenstrual symptoms interfered with their everyday life each menstrual cycle. In a large international sample, the majority of women reported premenstrual food cravings, mood changes, and fatigue every menstrual cycle. Mood symptoms did not vary by age group, suggesting that premenstrual mood changes are a persistent issue among women of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa Hantsoo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Shivani Rangaswamy
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Kristin Voegtline
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | | | | | - Jennifer L. Payne
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In contrast to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), premenstrual exacerbations (PMEs) of ongoing mood disorders are understudied. The aim of this review is to describe diagnostic issues, epidemiology, underlying mechanisms, and treatment for PME in unipolar depression and bipolar disorder, and to discuss clinical and research implications. RECENT FINDINGS Community-based and clinical studies estimate that in women with mood disorders around 60% report PME, while some women with bipolar disorder also show symptom exacerbations around ovulation. In general, PME predicts a more severe illness course and an increased burden. While heightened sensitivity to fluctuations of sex hormone levels across the menstrual cycle appears to contribute to PME and PMDD, the overlap of their underlying biological mechanisms remains unclear. Beneficial treatments for PMDD show less or no efficacy in PME. Pharmacological treatments for PME in mood disorders predominantly seem to profit from adjustable augmentation of treatment dosages during the luteal phase for the underlying disorder. However, the evidence is sparse and mainly based on earlier small studies and case reports. Previous research is mainly limited by the lack of a clear differentiation between PME and PMDD comorbidity with mood disorders. More systematic research with uniformly defined and prospectively assessed subgroups of PME in larger epidemiological and clinical samples is needed to receive reliable prevalence estimates and information on the clinical impact of PME of mood disorders, and to uncover underlying mechanisms. In addition, larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to identify efficacious pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments for affected women.
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