Cohort study, 1984
Can a visual analogue scale reliably measure mood changes related to the menstrual cycle?
Yes, a twice-daily visual scale successfully tracked mood changes related to menstruation. In 20 women with self-diagnosed PMS, 40% showed depression ratings 30% higher before menstruation versus after.
What they did
Preliminary study applying a 100-mm visual analogue scale (twice-daily mood self-ratings) to 20 women with self-diagnosed premenstrual syndrome to evaluate whether the scale could clearly show mood patterns related to menstruation.
What they found
Eight of 20 women (40%) had mean depression ratings during the week before menstruation that were 30% higher than during the week after menstruation ended. The scale showed good simplicity, compliance, and ease of graphic presentation.
What it means for you
The visual scale is simple and practical for tracking PMS-related mood changes. However, this was a small preliminary study in women who self-diagnosed rather than received professional diagnosis, so results may not represent all women with PMS.
20
women in study
8
women with 30% higher depression before period (40%)
30%
increase in depression rating before menstruation
About the study
- Original title
- Prospective assessment of menstrually related mood disorders
- Authors
- Rubinow DR, Roy-Byrne P, Hoban MC et al.
- Journal
- The American journal of psychiatry
- Year
- 1984
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 20
- What was tested
- None - study of a measurement tool for tracking mood changes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1176/ajp.141.5.684
Topics
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