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Survey study, 2021

Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder linked to suicide risk in women with mood disorders?

Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder who have depression or bipolar disorder are 3.46 times more likely to have attempted suicide. However, this study only included women who already have mood disorders.

Moderate study design 383 women aged 18-65 with depression or bipolar disorder in Taiwan

What they did

They recruited 383 women aged 18-65 with major depression or bipolar disorder from medical centers in Taiwan and measured whether they had premenstrual dysphoric symptoms and their lifetime suicide experiences.

What they found

13.8% had premenstrual dysphoric symptoms. Overall, 15.9% had made suicide plans and 39.7% had attempted suicide. Women with premenstrual dysphoric symptoms had 3.46 times higher odds of lifetime suicide attempts (95% CI 1.43-8.38).

What it means for you

In women who already have mood disorders, premenstrual dysphoric symptoms may be a sign of higher suicide risk. This is important for doctors to monitor. The study only included women with depression or bipolar disorder so findings may not apply to women without these conditions.

13.8%

had premenstrual dysphoric symptoms

3.46

times higher odds of suicide attempts with PMDS

39.7%

overall lifetime suicide attempts

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual dysphoric symptoms and lifetime suicide experiences in patients with mood disorder
Authors
Chan JH, Lo C, Hsu CD et al.
Journal
General hospital psychiatry
Year
2021
Study design
Survey study
Participants
383
What was tested
None

Topics