SUN-201 Depression and Anxiety Decreases among Females with Premenstrual Syndrome

Objective To examine the relationship between premenstrual syndrome (PMS), depression, and anxiety. Background PMS may trigger depression and anxiety(1). This study documents how an educational mental health program may lower depression and anxiety among individuals with PMS. Methods Participants met at a local community center once a week for 8 weeks. Each meeting consisted of a 45-minute DVD lecture of a health professional followed by a group discussion relating to the DVD topic. The program was run by trained facilitators and no doctor-patient relationship was established. It emphasized healthy behaviors such as exercise, a plant-based diet, sleep hygiene, and positive thinking, among others. Participants were free to choose whether they would follow the program or not. Each participant completed a mental health test at baseline and end of the program. It measured depression and anxiety according to the The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Volume 5 (DSM-5) criteria, demographics, and patient history, including the question, “If you are a female, do you currently suffer from premenstrual syndrome?” Depression was classified in 4 categories as none (0-6), mild, (7-10), moderate (11-19), and severe (20 or more). Anxiety was classified in 4 categories as none (0-4), mild (5-8), moderate (9-12), and severe (13 or more). Results A total of n=4294 females completed the program. Mean age was 52.3, SD 15.1. Those who had PMS (n=1013) had a baseline mean depression score of 15, SD 7.32 and a final score of 8.01, SD 6.39, with t(1012)=33.35 and p<0.001. At baseline the mean anxiety score was 9.1, SD 4.95 and the final score was 4.73, SD 3.93, with t(1012)=29.49 and p<0.001. Those without PMS had a baseline mean depression score of 11.9, SD 7.49 and a final score of 6.38, SD 5.89, with t(3280)=50.06 and p<0.001. At baseline the mean anxiety score was 7.7, SD 5.94, and the final score was 3.69, SD 3.68, with t(3280)=41.60 and p<0.001. A total of n=131 females with baseline PMS did not report PMS after 8 weeks. Discussion The program was effective in lowering depression and anxiety among females with PMS as well as those without it. The program was also effective in reducing PMS among females. Further study should examine whether this effect is long-term. Citations 1. Lane, T., and A. Francis. "Premenstrual symptomatology, locus of control, anxiety and depression in women with normal menstrual cycles." Archives of women's mental health 6.2 (2003): 127-138.