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The interrelation between premenstrual syndrome and major depression: results from a population-based sample
Christine Forrester-Knauss1, Elisabeth Zemp Stutz, Carine Weiss
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Socinstr, 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland. christine.knauss@unibas.ch
BMC Public Health
|October 14, 2011
Summary
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and major depression can co-occur in women. Women with both conditions experience greater impairment, highlighting distinct yet related health concerns.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Mental Health Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited research exists on the link between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and major depression.
- This study investigates the association between moderate to severe PMS and major depression in reproductive-aged women.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess the association between PMS and major depression.
- Differentiate PMS and major depression.
- Characterize women experiencing both PMS and major depression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Swiss Health Survey 2007 (n=3518 women <55, no hysterectomy).
- Calculated weighted prevalence rates and relative risk ratios using logistic multinominal logit regression.
- Included analysis of PMS symptoms, major depression, and co-occurrence.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of major depression was 11.3% (moderate PMS) and 24.6% (severe PMS).
- Factors associated with co-occurrence included high psychological distress, low mastery, psychotropic drug use, and low self-rated health.
- Moderate to severe alcohol consumption was linked to lower PMS risk; antidepressant/oral contraceptive use and work dissatisfaction were linked to higher major depression/PMS risk, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Women with co-occurring PMS and major depression report greater impairment than those with a single disorder.
- PMS and major depression are distinct conditions but can manifest concurrently.
- Findings underscore the complex interplay between PMS and major depression.
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