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Survey study, 2015

Is PMDD linked to postpartum depression?

Yes, strongly. Among women with postpartum depression, 34.8% had PMDD, compared to only 4.9% without postpartum depression. This suggests a hormonal connection between the two conditions.

Early or limited evidence 166 women assessed 10-14 days after delivery in Gangneung, Korea

What they did

Cross-sectional study of 166 women assessed 10-14 days after delivery in Korea from September 2011 to March 2012. Depression was assessed using two different questionnaires (Beck Depression Inventory and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), and PMDD was evaluated retrospectively based on 10 specific symptoms.

What they found

Postpartum depression prevalence was 13.9% (23 of 166 women). Among the 23 women with postpartum depression, 8 had PMDD (34.8%). Among the 143 women without postpartum depression, 7 had PMDD (4.9%). The correlation between postpartum depression and PMDD was statistically significant (P less than 0.01).

What it means for you

Women with PMDD may be at higher risk for postpartum depression, and both conditions may share hormonal causes. The main limitation is that PMDD was assessed retrospectively (women were asked to remember symptoms) and this is a cross-sectional study, so we cannot prove cause and effect.

34.8%

PMDD in depression group

4.9%

PMDD in non-depression

13.9%

postpartum depression

About the study

Original title
Correlation between postpartum depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Single center study
Authors
Lee YJ, Yi SW, Ju DH et al.
Journal
Obstetrics & gynecology science
Year
2015
Study design
Survey study
Participants
143
Open access
Yes

Topics