--- title: Are women with PMDD more likely to have generalized anxiety disorder? description: Yes, women with generalized anxiety disorder were 7.65 times more likely to have PMDD than those without it. The connection between the two conditions was exp url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/association-between-generalized-anxiety-disorder-and-premenstrual-dysphoric-2020/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Are women with PMDD more likely to have generalized anxiety disorder? Cohort study, 2020 # Are women with PMDD more likely to have generalized anxiety disorder? Yes, women with generalized anxiety disorder were 7.65 times more likely to have PMDD than those without it. The connection between the two conditions was explained by depression and partly by behavior inhibition and irritability. Moderate study design 100 women with PMDD and 96 healthy women ## What they did 100 women with PMDD (diagnosed through psychiatric interview and tracking of three menstrual cycles) and 96 healthy women were assessed. Researchers evaluated whether they had generalized anxiety disorder and measured anxiety, depression, irritability, and patterns of behavior control in both the luteal and follicular phases. ## What they found Women with generalized anxiety disorder were 7.65 times more likely to have PMDD (95% CI: 1.69-34.63). Women with both conditions showed no improvement in anxiety, depression, or irritability between menstrual phases, meaning these symptoms stayed high throughout the cycle. Depression, irritability, and behavior inhibition partially or fully explained the connection between the two conditions. ## What it means for you Women with PMDD should be screened for generalized anxiety disorder. If they have both conditions, their anxiety and depression may need treatment throughout the entire menstrual cycle, not just before the period. The study was limited in size and focused on diagnosis rather than treatment options. 7.65 odds ratio for women with GAD having PMDD (95% CI: 1.69-34.63) 100 women with PMDD 96 healthy controls ## About the study Original title Association between Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in a Diagnostic Interviewing Study Authors Yen JY, Lin PC, Huang MF et al. Journal International journal of environmental research and public health Year 2020 Study design Cohort study Participants 96 What was tested None (diagnostic study) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17030988](https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17030988) Original abstract Background: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) demonstrates predictable, cyclic, affective and somatic symptoms that are aggravated in the late luteal phase and are resolved by menstruation. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive and persistant worry. The present study aims to evaluate the association between PMDD and GAD. The fluctuations of behavior inhibition, anxiety, depression, and irritability were also evaluated during the menstrual cycle among women with PMDD and healthy women. Methods : There were 100 women diagnosed with PMDD based on a psychiatric interview and on a prospective evaluation in three menstrual cycles. A total of 96 healthy women were recruited as controls. Each individual's GAD diagnosis, behavior inhibition, behavior activation, depression, anxiety, and irritability were assessed in both luteal and follicular phases. Results : The odds ratio of women with GAD having PMDD was 7.65 (95% CI: 1.69-34.63) in relation to those without it. This association was partially mediated by behavior inhibition and irritability and was completely mediated by depression. Women with PMDD and GAD had higher anxiety during the luteal phase and higher PMDD severity, depression, and irritability than those without GAD in the follicular phase. There is no difference in anxiety, depression, or irritability between the luteal and follicular phases among women with PMDD and GAD. Conclusions : Women with GAD were more likely to have PMDD. Anxiety, depression, and irritability symptoms in women with PMDD and GAD were not relieved in the follicular phase. Thus, GAD should be assessed for women with PMDD. Their anxiety, depression, and irritability should be intervened not only in the luteal phase, but also in the follicular phase. Depression, irritability and behavior inhibition mediated the association between PMDD and GAD. Intervening with these mediators to attenuate GAD and PMDD comorbidity should be researched in the future. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Anxiety disorders and OCD](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-anxiety-disorders/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Cohort study, 2012 How quickly does fluoxetine start working for PMDD symptoms? Review, 1999 Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder a distinct clinical disorder? Survey study, 2001 How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder and how is it related to other psychiatric conditions? Randomised trial, 1999 Do SSRIs reduce premenstrual dysphoria symptoms? Randomised trial, 1995 Does fluoxetine help premenstrual dysphoria? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗