Premenstrual and menstrual mood changes in adolescent women

One hundred fifty-eight female subjects aged 15-16 years completed the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire and reported the actual date of onset of the next two menstrual periods. These female high school students and their male classmates were later given The Depression Adjective Check List and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory twice, 2 weeks apart, in an unrelated classroom setting. This study assessed the magnitude of anxiety and depression experienced by the 29 adolescents who were tested within 4 days preceding the onset of menstruation and the 23 adolescents who were tested during the first 4 days of menstruation. Premenstrual and menstrual test scores were compared with those obtained during the intermenstrual phase of the cycle. No significant differences in mood attributable to cycle phase were found. A control group of males also showed no significant difference in mood. Adolescent women appear to be different from women over 30 who have been reported to show significantly increased state anxiety and depression during the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle.