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Cohort study, 1987

Does PMS cause behavior problems in women with mental disabilities?

In this study, 27.5% of women with mental disabilities showed behavior worsening linked to their menstrual cycle, along with physical symptoms and hormone changes. This was a very small, old study, so we can't be sure how general this finding is.

Early or limited evidence 11 women with mental disabilities in hospital settings, from a random sample of 40

What they did

Prospective study over 2 years examining 11 women (from a random sample of 40) with mental disabilities in hospital settings. They did clinical evaluations and hormone tests.

What they found

11 women out of the 40-woman sample (27.5 percent) showed behavior change for the worse just before menstruation, plus physical symptoms and hormone changes consistent with premenstrual tension.

What it means for you

Premenstrual tension may worsen behavior in some women with mental disabilities. The study was very small (11 women), only included hospital patients, and was conducted in 1987, so findings may not apply more broadly today.

27.5%

Women with behavior changes before menstruation

11 out of 40

Sample showing premenstrual tension

2 years

Length of study

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual tension and behaviour problems
Authors
Ashok Kumar Jain, Raj Pal Arya
Journal
British Journal of Learning Disabilities
Year
1987
Study design
Cohort study
Participants
11
What was tested
Observational study

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