Survey study, 2003
Is PMDD a form of depression, a form of anxiety, or something completely different?
PMDD is a distinct condition, separate from both depression and anxiety. It is characterized more by irritability and mood swings than by depressed mood or anxiety.
What they did
Literature review summarizing the relationship between PMDD and depression and anxiety disorders.
What they found
PMDD is neither a variant of depression nor an anxiety disorder, but a distinct diagnostic entity with irritability and affect lability as most characteristic features. Approximately 5% of women of fertile age have PMDD. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the treatment of choice for PMDD, but may work differently than they do for depression and anxiety.
What it means for you
PMDD should be recognized as its own condition rather than as a subtype of depression or anxiety. However, some subtypes of PMDD may be more closely related to depression or anxiety disorders. This is a review of existing research, not a new study.
5%
Women of fertile age with PMDD
About the study
- Original title
- How does premenstrual dysphoric disorder relate to depression and anxiety disorders?
- Authors
- Landén M, Eriksson E
- Journal
- Depression and anxiety
- Year
- 2003
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None. This is a literature review.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1002/da.10089
Topics
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