--- title: Can premenstrual depression predict whether a woman will develop major depression later? description: Yes, women whose premenstrual depression scores are higher have a greater risk of developing major depression in the future, and this predictive value holds e url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-depression-predicts-future-major-depressive-disorder-1990/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Can premenstrual depression predict whether a woman will develop major depression later? Cohort study, 1990 # Can premenstrual depression predict whether a woman will develop major depression later? Yes, women whose premenstrual depression scores are higher have a greater risk of developing major depression in the future, and this predictive value holds even after accounting for family history and past depression. Early or limited evidence 36 women who had volunteered for previous menstrual cycle research studies ## What they did 36 women who had participated in previous menstrual cycle studies were assessed for the severity of their premenstrual depression using two different scales. They were then followed over time to track who developed major depressive disorder. ## What they found Premenstrual depression scores were significantly correlated with the development of major depression during follow-up, with a correlation of r equals 0.35. These scores had predictive value above and beyond two known major risk factors for major depression: family history of depression and the woman's own past history of depression. Scores from the Premenstrual Change Index were also correlated with developing major depression but did not add additional predictive power. ## What it means for you Premenstrual depression may be a useful marker to identify women at higher risk for developing major depression. However, this was a very small study of only 36 women followed over an unspecified time period, so results should be confirmed in larger studies. 36 women followed 0.35 correlation between premenstrual depression and future major depression ## About the study Original title Premenstrual depression predicts future major depressive disorder Authors Graze KK, Nee J, Endicott J Journal Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica Year 1990 Study design Cohort study Participants 36 What was tested None, observational follow-up study Read the paper [doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.1990.tb06479.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.1990.tb06479.x) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Cohort study, 2026 What genetic factors are linked to premenstrual symptoms? Cohort study, 2023 Are PMS symptoms linked to genetic factors for psychiatric disorders? Randomised trial, 2000 Does sertraline improve how women with PMDD feel and function? Study, 2026 Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition? Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Study, 2026 What treatments work for PMDD? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗