Survey study, 2014
Does a genetic difference in the serotonin system make thinking and memory problems worse in PMDD?
Yes. Women with PMDD who carry the G/G genotype of a serotonin gene (HTR1A rs6295) showed greater decline in working memory and cognitive control before their period.
What they did
59 women with PMDD and 74 healthy controls completed cognitive tests (Go/Nogo, 2-back and 3-back working memory tasks) during both premenstrual and follicular phases. Women with PMDD were followed for 2 menstrual cycles to confirm symptoms. All participants had hormone measurements and genetic testing.
What they found
Women with PMDD showed decline in cognitive control and working memory in the premenstrual phase. The G/G genotype of HTR1A rs6295 was associated with impaired working memory in the premenstrual phase and greater vulnerability to menstrual cycle effects on thinking. The G/G genotype reduces serotonin activity.
What it means for you
Some women's thinking and memory problems before their period may be due to a genetic variant that affects how serotonin works in the brain. This explains why not all women with PMDD have cognitive problems. The main limitations are the small cross-sectional design and focus on one genetic variant.
59
women with PMDD
74
healthy controls
2
menstrual cycles confirmed for PMDD
About the study
- Original title
- The effect of serotonin 1A receptor polymorphism on the cognitive function of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Yen JY, Tu HP, Chen CS et al.
- Journal
- European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience
- Year
- 2014
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 59
- What was tested
- None (observational)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s00406-013-0466-4
Topics
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