--- title: How common is PMS and premenstrual worsening of psychiatric symptoms in women with mental health disorders? description: Very common. Between 52% and 80% of women with anxiety, depression, or panic disorder reported PMS symptoms, and between 36% and 52% experienced worsening of url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-symptoms-and-premenstrual-exacerbation-in-patients-with-psychiatric-2004/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How common is PMS and premenstrual worsening of psychiatric symptoms in women with mental health disorders? Survey study, 2004 # How common is PMS and premenstrual worsening of psychiatric symptoms in women with mental health disorders? Very common. Between 52% and 80% of women with anxiety, depression, or panic disorder reported PMS symptoms, and between 36% and 52% experienced worsening of their psychiatric symptoms before their period. Early or limited evidence 200 Chinese outpatients (50 each with anxiety disorder, depression, panic disorder, or schizophrenia) ## What they did 200 Chinese women outpatients (50 each with generalized anxiety disorder, depression, panic disorder, or schizophrenia) were assessed for PMS symptoms and for premenstrual exacerbation, meaning worsening of their existing psychiatric symptoms. ## What they found PMS symptoms were reported by 78% of women with anxiety disorder, 80% with depression, 68% with panic disorder, and 52% with schizophrenia. Premenstrual worsening of psychiatric symptoms occurred in 52% with anxiety, 52% with depression, 36% with panic disorder, and 20% with schizophrenia. More PMS symptoms were associated with more severe premenstrual worsening. ## What it means for you Women with anxiety and depression commonly experience PMS, and often their mental health symptoms get worse before their period, suggesting the menstrual cycle affects mental health. The main limitation is a small Chinese sample with no explanation of why this happens. 200 outpatients assessed 80% of depression group reporting PMS 52% of depression group with premenstrual exacerbation ## About the study Original title Premenstrual symptoms and premenstrual exacerbation in patients with psychiatric disorders Authors Hsiao MC, Hsiao CC, Liu CY Journal Psychiatry and clinical neurosciences Year 2004 Study design Survey study What was tested None Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1819.2003.01215.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1819.2003.01215.x) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual exacerbation (PME)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pme/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Anxiety disorders and OCD](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-anxiety-disorders/)[Schizophrenia and psychosis](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-psychosis/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/) 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 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? Cohort study, 2015 What factors predict anxiety and depression during pregnancy and after birth? Randomised trial, 2013 Does psychological education reduce PMS symptoms in teenagers? Guideline, 2006 What is the best treatment for PMDD and severe PMS? Review, 2002 What are the reproductive-related mood disorders and how are they connected? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗