Personality Traits of Suicidality Are Associated with Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in a Suicidal Women Sample
Abstract : OBJECTIVE: Both
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
might increase the risk of suicidal behavior. The aim of this study was
to assess the relationship between personality dimensions specifically
involved in suicidal vulnerability and PMS/PMDD.
METHOD: We collected data from 232 women consecutively hospitalized
after a suicide attempt. We examined the relationship between
impulsivity, aggressiveness/hostility, hopelessness, trait anger, affect
intensity, emotional lability, and PMS/PMDD. Notably, we created an
algorithm from the shortened Premenstrual Assessment form in order to
assess PMDD status.
RESULTS: The proportions of PMS and PMDD among female suicide attempters
were 50% and 23% respectively. Women with PMS or PMDD were more likely
to endorse most of these personality traits to than those without even
after controlling for potential confounders. We found an
impulsive-aggressive pattern of personality in women with PMS or PMDD,
independently from the time of the menstrual cycle. Interestingly, trait
anger remained associated with both PMS and PMDD independently of every
other personality traits. The higher the anger level, the higher the
risk was to suffer from both PMS and PMDD.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a strong, independent association
between PMS/PMDD and trait anger among a representative sample of female
suicide attempters. It is of major interest for clinicians in view of
addressing a substantial public health problem among women of
reproductive age.