Systematic review, 2019
Is there a link between premenstrual syndrome and depression after childbirth?
Most studies found a link between PMS and postpartum depression, though some found this link disappeared when other factors like personality were considered. The connection appears real but may depend on circumstances.
What they did
Systematic review of 16 studies from major medical databases examining whether PMS is associated with postpartum depression.
What they found
Of 16 studies, 11 found a positive association between PMS and postpartum depression even after accounting for personality and socio-demographic factors (p < .05). Three studies found an association that disappeared when other factors were added. Two found no association.
What it means for you
There appears to be a connection between PMS and postpartum depression, but whether this holds depends on what other factors are considered, suggesting they may share similar causes. The findings varied across studies.
16
studies reviewed
11
studies found positive association
3
studies where link disappeared with other factors
About the study
- Original title
- Associations between premenstrual syndrome and postpartum depression: A systematic literature review
- Authors
- Amiel Castro RT, Pataky EA, Ehlert U
- Journal
- Biological psychology
- Year
- 2019
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- None, literature review
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2018.10.014
Topics
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