Randomised trial, 2011
Do women with PMDD process emotional anticipation differently during the luteal phase?
Yes, women with PMDD show heightened emotional responses to anticipation during the luteal phase compared to women without PMDD. This suggests their brain circuits for emotional processing are more reactive, but the study was small and lab-based.
What they did
Study where 16 women with PMDD and 16 control women watched slide shows containing pleasant and unpleasant pictures while scientists measured their startle reflex (a sudden 105 decibel sound). Testing occurred during both the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle.
What they found
During the luteal phase, women with PMDD showed greater startle responses to both positive and negative anticipation cues compared to control women. This increased response was mainly driven by women with PMDD showing stronger reactions in the luteal phase than in their own follicular phase, and also by increased responses compared to controls during luteal phase.
What it means for you
The brains of women with PMDD may be more sensitized to emotional anticipation during the luteal phase, which could contribute to anxiety and mood symptoms. This is a small lab-based study using an artificial startle test, so findings may not directly translate to everyday life.
16
women with PMDD
16
control women
105
decibels of startle probe sound
About the study
- Original title
- Patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder have increased startle modulation during anticipation in the late luteal phase period in comparison to control subjects
- Authors
- Bannbers E, Kask K, Wikström J et al.
- Journal
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Year
- 2011
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- None. Study measured startle responses across menstrual cycle phases.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.02.011
Topics
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