Cohort study, 2010
Does depression that worsens before the period differ from other depression?
No major differences in depression type or treatment response, but women with premenstrual worsening had more seasonal mood patterns and different personality traits (more self-control).
What they did
Longitudinal cohort study. 99 outpatients with major depression (not taking medication at baseline) were interviewed. After 16 weeks of treatment, 74 patients achieved remission (depression rating score of 7 or less). These 74 women then completed personality and cognitive tests.
What they found
No differences were found between women with and without premenstrual exacerbation of depression in depression type or how well treatment worked, except women with premenstrual exacerbation were more likely to have seasonal features. Women with premenstrual exacerbation scored higher on self-control personality trait and lower on a cognitive test (D48/Dominos test). Higher self-control scores increased the risk for premenstrual exacerbation by 51.3%, while higher cognitive test scores decreased the risk by 8.6%.
What it means for you
Women whose depression gets worse before their period do not have a fundamentally different type of depression or response to treatment. They may have different personality patterns (more self-control) and cognitive patterns. This study was limited to women whose depression responded well to treatment, so findings may not apply to all women.
74
Women who achieved remission
51.3%
Increased risk for PE with higher self-control
8.6%
Decreased risk for PE with higher cognitive scores
About the study
- Original title
- [Longitudinal study comparing depressive female patients with and without premenstrual exacerbation]
- Authors
- Benavente Martín JL, Olivares Diez JM, Calado Otero M et al.
- Journal
- Revista de psiquiatria y salud mental
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 74
- What was tested
- Standard depression treatment (specific medications not detailed)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.rpsm.2010.05.001
Topics
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