Survey study, 2011
Does experiencing discrimination increase the risk of PMDD?
Yes, women who experience discrimination were significantly more likely to have PMDD. However, this study shows a link, not proof that discrimination causes PMDD.
What they did
Cross-sectional study of 2,718 Asian, Latina, and Black women aged 18-40. Researchers asked about their experiences with discrimination and whether they had PMDD.
What they found
83% reported experiencing discrimination. For each increase in discrimination frequency, the odds of PMDD went up by 1.08 times. Women reporting gender discrimination were 5.18 times more likely to have PMDD, race discrimination 4.14 times, and other discrimination 6.43 times. Subtle discrimination was more strongly linked to PMDD (odds ratio 1.12) than blatant discrimination (odds ratio 1.04).
What it means for you
Discrimination is linked to higher rates of PMDD. Reducing discrimination in women's lives might reduce PMDD. This is the first study to show this link. It was cross-sectional so we cannot know if discrimination causes PMDD or if PMDD makes people more aware of discrimination. The study included only Asian, Latina, and Black women.
83%
reported lifetime discrimination
1.08
increased odds of PMDD per unit increase in discrimination frequency
5.18
odds ratio for gender discrimination
About the study
- Original title
- Lifetime discrimination associated with greater likelihood of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Pilver CE, Desai R, Kasl S et al.
- Journal
- Journal of women's health (2002)
- Year
- 2011
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2010.2456
Topics
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