Study, 1985
What psychological patterns do women with PMS show?
Women seeking treatment for PMS show various psychological patterns. About 36% have normal psychological profiles, while 25% have depression year-round, and 42% report marriage distress.
What they did
100 women seeking evaluation for PMS were given psychological tests (personality inventory, depression screening, and marriage adjustment tests) during the follicular phase. Depression screening was repeated during the luteal phase.
What they found
Personality profiles were classified as: normal (36%), neurotic patterns (31%), characterological patterns (11%), psychotic patterns (5%), or unclassified (17%). A common finding was low scores on a scale measuring masculinity-femininity. About 25% showed clinically significant depression present year-round, not just before their period. About 42% reported distress in their marriage at time of evaluation.
What it means for you
Women with PMS show different psychological patterns. Some have depression year-round while others have symptoms mainly before their period. Many experience marriage strain. The study only looked at women already seeking treatment, so results may not apply to women with PMS who don't seek help.
100
women seeking evaluation
25%
with depression year-round
42%
reporting marriage distress
About the study
- Original title
- Psychological assessment of women seeking treatment for premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Stout AL, Steege JF
- Journal
- Journal of psychosomatic research
- Year
- 1985
- Study design
- Study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0022-3999(85)90071-6
Topics
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