Study, 1995

Is PMS linked to genes, environment, or personality traits?

PMS, depression, and traits like neuroticism appear to share common genetic influences. However, PMS also has specific environmental causes separate from personality traits.

Moderate study design 634 women

What they did

A genetic analysis of 634 women examined how genes and environment contribute to PMS reporting, depression, and personality traits like neuroticism and extroversion.

What they found

PMS, depression, neuroticism, and extroversion connected to a shared personality factor. Neuroticism and extroversion had both genetic and specific environmental influences. PMS had specific environmental influences but no clear genetic contribution beyond the shared personality factor.

What it means for you

Women with PMS may share common personality traits with women who have depression or neuroticism. Environmental factors unique to PMS appear important. The large sample is a strength, but the study measured reported symptoms rather than direct testing, and does not describe specific environmental factors.

634

women studied

traits analyzed

About the study

Original title: Genetic and environmental factors in premenstrual symptom reporting and its relationship to depression and a general neuroticism trait
Authors: van den Akker OB, Eves FF, Stein GS et al.
Journal: Journal of psychosomatic research
Year: 1995
Study design: Study
Participants: 634
What was tested: None
Read the paper: doi.org/10.1016/0022-3999(94)00152-u

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Low mood and depression Major depressive disorder Relationships and partners Adolescents and young people

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