Systematic review, 2026
Are women with PMDD more likely to have suicidal thoughts or attempts?
Yes. People with PMDD show clearly higher rates of suicidal thoughts, planning and attempts than would be expected, though no study yet has tested treatments to reduce this risk.
What they did
Researchers searched three research databases for studies published from 2013 onwards about PMDD and suicidality. They found 18 studies, covering a combined total of roughly 2,600,000 people, and summarised the results in writing rather than combining them into one single statistic.
What they found
Rates varied widely between studies: 'suicidality' affected 16%-30.47% of people studied; suicidal ideation (thoughts) 26%-86%; suicide planning 11.5%-41.5%; and suicide attempts 7.1%-60.7%. Risk was linked to having other mental health conditions, high impulsivity, aggression, hopelessness, and certain hormonal factors. No study tested a treatment specifically aimed at reducing suicidality in PMDD.
What it means for you
PMDD is linked to a real and sometimes high risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour, so this deserves to be taken seriously. Studies varied a lot in how they defined and measured things, and a quality-check tool flagged concerns in 70% of them, so exact numbers should be read with caution. No research yet exists on how to treat this risk.
18
Studies reviewed
26%-86%
Suicidal ideation range
7.1%-60.7%
Suicide attempts range
About the study
- Original title
- Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Treatments for Suicidality in People Living with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A Systematic Review
- Authors
- Zhitnik E, Britt T, Bertone-Johnson E et al.
- Journal
- Administration and policy in mental health
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- None tested here; this paper reviews existing studies rather than testing a new treatment.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s10488-026-01504-y
Topics
Related studies
Cohort study, 2022
How common are suicidal thoughts and self-harm in people with PMDD?
Survey study, 2021
Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder linked to suicide risk in women with mood disorders?
Survey study, 2012
What psychiatric conditions are linked to PMDD in Korean women?
Cohort study, 2002
How common is PMDD and does it stick around?
Survey study, 2020
How common are suicidal thoughts and self-harm in people with PMDD?
Case report, 2017
Can a combined oral contraceptive pill help PMDD in women who also have depression or anxiety?