Personality disorders in women with severe premenstrual syndrome

Arch Womens Ment Health. 2011 Jun;14(3):257-64. doi: 10.1007/s00737-011-0212-8. Epub 2011 Feb 7.

Abstract

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its more severe form, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, affect up to 18% of women. Both are commonly associated with other mood-related disorders such as major depression, and cause significant life impairment, but their relationship with personality disorders is less clear. After completing the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR disorders, 33 women with severe PMS and 26 asymptomatic women, counterbalanced for menstrual cycle phase, were administered the Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality Disorders, a diagnostic interview with low transparency, strong inter-rater reliability, and good diagnostic clarity. Women with severe PMS had a higher prevalence of personality disorders (p = 0.003) than asymptomatic women (27% versus 0%), and were more likely to have odd-eccentric, dramatic-erratic, and anxious-fearful personality disorder traits (p < 0.05). Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) was the most common character pathology in the PMS group (n = 6, 18%). OCPD, although not necessarily associated with greater severity of premenstrual symptoms, was related to poorer life functioning in women with PMS. The comorbidity of a personality disorder and severe PMS places an additive burden on general life functioning and may have implications for psychiatric treatment or medication given to those with severe premenstrual symptoms.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Luteal Phase / psychology
  • Menstrual Cycle / psychology*
  • Personality Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Personality Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Premenstrual Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Premenstrual Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Premenstrual Syndrome / psychology
  • Prevalence
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Women's Health
  • Young Adult