Survey study, 2014
Are depression and anxiety linked to period pain in teenage girls?
Yes. Girls with painful periods had higher anxiety and depression scores than those without. Girls with the most severe form of PMS had much higher scores.
What they did
Cross-sectional study of 159 girls aged 13-19 attending a gynecology clinic. In April-May 2013, they filled out questionnaires about anxiety, depression, and premenstrual symptoms.
What they found
67.9% of girls had painful periods. Girls with painful periods had higher anxiety and depression scores than those without. Among the 159 girls, 29 (18.2%) had severe PMS. Girls with severe PMS had much higher anxiety scores of 21.31 compared to 9.65 for PMS, and depression scores of 19.1 compared to 8.39.
What it means for you
Girls with painful periods may have higher rates of depression and anxiety. This suggests doctors should check for mood problems when treating period pain. The study was limited to one clinic in one country, so findings may not apply more broadly.
67.9%
Girls with painful periods
18.2%
Girls with severe PMS
21.31 vs 9.65
Anxiety score (severe PMS vs PMS)
About the study
- Original title
- Is there a relationship between mood disorders and dysmenorrhea?
- Authors
- Balık G, Ustüner I, Kağıtcı M et al.
- Journal
- Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology
- Year
- 2014
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 159
- What was tested
- None - observational study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2014.01.108
Topics
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