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Psychological and physiological changes in severe premenstrual syndrome
Biological Psychology
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Women with severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) exhibit higher autonomic activity and reduced cortical arousal during the premenstrual phase compared to controls. These neurophysiological changes, not psychological factors, likely contribute to PMS distress.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a complex condition affecting many women.
- Understanding the neurophysiological underpinnings of PMS is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in nervous system activity and psychological/behavioral variables between follicular and premenstrual phases in women with and without severe PMS.
- To identify potential neurophysiological contributors to PMS symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Compared 20 women with severe PMS to 20 non-sufferers across two menstrual cycle phases (follicular and premenstrual).
- Measured nervous system activity (autonomic and cortical arousal) and psychological/behavioral variables.
Main Results:
- Patients with PMS showed higher autonomic activity than controls in both phases.
- Premenstrually, PMS patients reported increased negative moods and decreased cortical arousal.
- No significant differences in other variables were found in the follicular phase, though measures were generally higher in patients.
Conclusions:
- Chronically high autonomic activity and a decline in cortical arousal during the premenstrual phase appear to be key factors in PMS distress.
- Psychological characteristics are less likely to be the primary cause of PMS.
- The causal relationship between autonomic/central activity and PMS symptoms requires further investigation.