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Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and eating disorders
A Verri1, R E Nappi, E Vallero
1C. Mondino Institute, Laboratory of Psychodiagnosis and Behavioral Analysis, IRCCS, Policlinico S. Matteo, University of Pavia, Italy.
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|March 13, 1998
Summary
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Eating Disorders (ED) share clinical similarities, including higher comorbidity rates and the personality trait of harm avoidance. Further research is needed to explore potential shared physiopathological links between PMDD and ED.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is distinct from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) based on DSM IV criteria.
- PMS involves mild symptoms, while PMDD involves significant mood changes and exacerbation of concurrent disorders.
- Appetite and eating behavior changes, particularly increased intake and mood correlations, are noted in PMS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze clinical similarities between PMDD and Eating Disorders (ED), specifically Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder.
- To compare comorbidity, personality dimensions, and eating attitudes between PMDD and ED patient groups.
- To identify potential relationships between these disorders.
Main Methods:
- Compared 12 PMDD patients with 10 ED patients (Bulimia Nervosa/Binge Eating Disorder) and 10 controls.
- Utilized DSM III-R criteria (SCID) for clinical interviews.
- Administered psychometric tests: TPQ for personality dimensions (novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence) and EAT/26 for eating attitudes.
Main Results:
- High comorbidity for mood and anxiety disorders is documented in both PMDD and ED.
- PMDD patients showed a 16.6% comorbidity with ED, significantly higher than the general population (2.3%).
- The personality dimension 'harm avoidance,' associated with serotonin, was significantly more frequent in both PMDD and ED groups compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- A degree of clinical similarity exists between PMDD and ED.
- The findings suggest potential commonalities that warrant further investigation.
- Extensive studies are required to clarify if PMDD and ED share common physiopathological underpinnings.