Related Experiment Videos
Heart rate variability in premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Mikael Landén1, Bertil Wennerblom, Hans Tygesen
1Section of Psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Göteborg University, Gothenburg, Sweden. landenm@msx.upmc.edu
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|April 28, 2004
Summary
Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) may have reduced vagal tone, a measure of heart rate variability (HRV). This difference was most noticeable during the non-symptomatic follicular phase of their menstrual cycle.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neuroscience
- Women's Health
Background:
- Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects autonomic nervous system regulation of the heart.
- Reduced HRV, particularly parasympathetic activity, is linked to depression and anxiety.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe mood disorder affecting women cyclically.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate heart rate variability (HRV) in women diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
- To compare HRV parameters between PMDD patients and healthy controls across menstrual cycle phases.
Main Methods:
- Assessed time domain (rMSSD, SDNN) and frequency domain (HF) HRV variables.
- Studied 28 women with PMDD and 11 symptom-free controls.
- Collected data during both the symptomatic luteal and non-symptomatic follicular phases.
Main Results:
- Vagal activity measures (rMSSD, SDNN, HF) were lower in PMDD patients compared to controls.
- This reduction in vagal tone was statistically significant during the follicular phase.
- The difference in HRV was most apparent in the non-symptomatic follicular phase.
Conclusions:
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) may be associated with diminished vagal tone.
- Reduced vagal tone in PMDD is most evident during the follicular phase.
- HRV assessment could offer insights into the pathophysiology of PMDD.