Survey study, 2011
Why do women get panic disorder more often than men?
This review proposes that women with anxiety sensitivity may be more vulnerable to panic disorder because progesterone and its brain chemical allopregnanolone interact differently during the premenstrual phase. The evidence is preliminary.
What they did
This is a review paper, not an original study. The authors reviewed existing human and animal research about anxiety, panic disorder, the menstrual cycle, and hormones progesterone and allopregnanolone to propose a theory about why women develop panic disorder at twice the rate of men.
What they found
The review presents preliminary evidence that anxiety sensitivity may interact with effects of progesterone and allopregnanolone during the premenstrual phase to trigger or maintain panic symptoms in women. Topics reviewed included psychopathology related to the menstrual cycle, anxiety sensitivity across the cycle, PMS and PMDD, and effects of these hormones on anxiety.
What it means for you
This is a proposed explanation, not yet proven. It suggests women with anxiety sensitivity may be vulnerable to panic disorder because of how their hormones change during the cycle. The evidence comes from different types of studies in humans and animals, so the theory needs further research.
2:1
female to male ratio in panic disorder
About the study
- Original title
- Anxiety sensitivity, the menstrual cycle, and panic disorder: a putative neuroendocrine and psychological interaction
- Authors
- Nillni YI, Toufexis DJ, Rohan KJ
- Journal
- Clinical psychology review
- Year
- 2011
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- Not applicable. Literature review only.
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2011.07.006
Topics
Related studies
Case-control study, 2025
Do certain hormone-related brain chemicals predict how bad premenstrual depression and anxiety will be?
Randomised trial, 2017
Does Sepranolone reduce symptoms of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMDD)?
Survey study, 2014
Does allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite, cause mood problems in PMDD?
Survey study, 2009
Why do some women feel depressed or anxious when progesterone increases before their period?
Lab study, 2005
How do changes in brain chemistry during the menstrual cycle affect anxiety and seizures?
Systematic review, 2026
Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle?