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Systematic review, 2023

Is PMDD linked to depression?

PMDD and depression are strongly linked. Nearly all studies found that people with PMDD were more likely to have depression, and people with depression were more likely to have PMDD.

Strong study design Studies from various countries examining the overlap between PMDD and depression.

What they did

Systematic review of 10 studies published between 2001 and 2018 examining the relationship between PMDD and depression.

What they found

All but one of the 10 studies found a positive association between PMDD and depression, either current or past. Many studies found that a history of depression (even without current depression) was linked to PMDD.

What it means for you

If you have PMDD, your doctor should watch for signs of depression, and vice versa. Depression treatment should take PMDD into account. The main limit is that more than half the studies did not use proper daily prospective tracking, which is needed to confirm a PMDD diagnosis, so some participants may not have actually had PMDD.

10

Studies reviewed

9

Studies finding a positive association

3-8%

Percentage of reproductive-age women with PMDD

About the study

Original title
The association between premenstrual dysphoric disorder and depression: A systematic review
Authors
Heidi Eccles, Verinder Sharma
Journal
Journal of Affective Disorders Reports
Year
2023
Study design
Systematic review
Open access
Yes

Topics