• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.330-340
• /
• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Emotional eating is one of the eating behaviors in which negative emotions affect eating. During the luteal phase, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its associated psychological and physical symptoms can appear in some women, and a few of them suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS. Some women diagnosed with PMS/PMDD experience emotional eating during the luteal phase, which may be a coping mechanism for psychological stress. This study aimed to investigate how PMS/PMDD and negatively perceived stress are related to emotional eating. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 409 women aged 20 to 39 yrs with a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 18.5 to 29.9 kg/m² participated in this study. Participants who responded to all the questions of the Shortened Premenstrual Assessment Form, Negative Perceived Stress Scale, and Emotional Eater Questionnaire were divided into a PMDD and a non-PMDD group according to the cut-off value for PMDD diagnosis. Independent t-tests and mediation analyses were performed to compare the 2 groups. RESULTS: No significant differences between the 2 groups were found in terms of BMI; however, the average values for emotional eating, PMS, and negative perceived stress of the PMDD group were significantly higher than those of the non-PMDD group. Only negative perceived stress had a significant effect on emotional eating in the non-PMDD group. In the PMDD group, PMS was statistically significant for both negative perceived stress and emotional eating mediated by negative perceived stress. Consequently, it appeared to have a partial or complete mediation depending on the independent variable for the PMDD group. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of managing negative perceived stress to control emotional eating in PMS/PMDD for improved women's health.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.22-31
• /
• 2012

Objectives : We investigated the prevalence and functional impairment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual syndrome(PMS) in young women. Methods : A total of 1063 female college students were recruited from two urban areas(Seoul and Suwon) of Korea. Questionnaires for sociodemographic data and risk factors of PMDD, attitude about menstruation, and the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool(PSST) were applied. Results : The prevalence of severe moderate to severe PMS and PMDD were 16.9% and 11.7%, respectively. There were differences in the alcohol and coffee consumption, severity of menstrual cramp, and family history of PMS among the moderate to severe PMS, PMDD, and no/mild PMS groups. Although some participants did not fulfill diagnostic criteria for PMDD, they showed significant functional impairment. Participants with negative attitude about menstruation reported premenstrual symptoms more frequently than those with positive or ambivalent attitude about menstruation. Conclusion : These results suggest that PMS and PMDD were prevalent and associated with functional impairment in young females. Some participants reported significant functional impairments although they did not meet the full DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for PMDD. Negative attitude about menstruation was associated with more premenstrual symptoms experiences.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.14-21
• /
• 2007

Premenstural dysphoric disorder(PMDD) imposing 4-5% of women is possibly caused by an enhanced responsiveness to the changes of sex steroid hormones and the decrease of serotonin, melatonin and GABA. The common clinical features between PMDD and depression, seasonal affective disorder, panic disorder and anorexia nervosa suggest a relatedness between PMDD and each of them. The diagnostic criteria of DSM-IV-Tr for PMDD requires psychological symptoms, that commonly include irritability, anger, depression, mood swing, affect lability, tension, anxiety, fatigue and food craving. As of today, the best pharmacological treatment for PMDD is the selective serotonin reuptake inhibiter, and leuprolide, danazol, estradiol, spironolactone and bromocriptine are possible alternatives. Nonpharmacological treatments for patients with mild to moderate symptom severity are diet, exercise, light therapy, psychotherapy and keeping a diary.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.314-321
• /
• 2002

Women with the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) report increased cravings for certain foods and altered taste preferences ding the premenstrual period. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association of PMDD with luteal phase food cravings, appetite, and taste preferences in 1,078 nurses. Among the 626 nurses who gave valid responses, the prevalence of PMDD and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) was 4.6% (N = 29) and 78.3% (N = 490), respectively. A highly significant increase was observed in the preference for sweet tasting foods during the luteal phase, compared to the follicular phase. Desire for sweet foods during the premenstrual period was significantly different among the three groups, being highest in the PMDD group, lower in the PMS group, and lowest in women with no symptoms. Both the PMDD and PMS groups showed significant increases in preferences for pungent tasting foods during the luteal phase. A repeated measures of analysis of variance on the taste preference data revealed that the desire for sweet tasting foods was significantly greater than for others such as salty, sour, and pungent tastes. A greater proportion of the subjects in the PMDD and PMS groups reported an increase in their total food intake during the luteal phase, compared to those women without premenstrual symptoms. Compared to the PMS group or the women with no symptoms, the PMDD group reported increased intakes of high carbohydrate foods during the luteal phase. The most commonly reported food cravings were for sauteed spicy rice cakes (ddukbokki), or for cold buckwheat noodles mixed in chili pepper sauce. These results indicate that the luteal phase food cravings, appetite and taste preferences change in accordance with the severity of the premenstrual symptoms.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.46-51
• /
• 1999

Objectives: Patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder(or PMDD) have impairments of the social, occupational or academic function due to psychological or somatic symptoms, which have the characteristic pattern of symptom exacerbation in the week before menses begin and remission shortly after the onset of menses. In the chronobiological view, many researchers have assumed that the etiology of PMDD is the advanced circadian rhythm. It has been suggested that light has a therapeutic effect on PMDD, because evening light results in phase delay of circadian rhythm through the biochemical changes including melatonin. Methods: The authors investigated the therapeutic effect of light therapy on four patients with prospectively diagnosed PMDD by DSM-IV criteria using clinical psychiatric interview, Premenstrual Assessment Form(PAF) and Daily Rating Form(or DRF). In the evening(6:30pm-8:00pm), the 2,500 lux light administered for seven consecutive days during the symptomatic late luteal phase of menstrual cycle. Beck Depression Inventory(or BDI), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression(or HAM-D), Spielberg State Anxiety Inventory(or SA), and DRF were evaluated before and after seven days of light therapy. Results: Premenstrual symptoms of PMDD could be effectively treated with the evening bright light therapy, especially in PMDD patients with atypical symptoms. In addition, the light therapy seemed to more effective on the psychologic symptoms than the somatic symptoms of PMDD. There was no significant side-effect of light therapy, except the transient and mild eye-strain in one case. Conclusions: In spite of the results of limited data from our clinical trial, the authors suggest that the potential use of light therapy as an alternative to the pharmacological management of patients with PMDD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.190-195
• /
• 2005

The purpose of this study was to identify the change of energy intake, blood sugar and body composition in accordance with menstrual cycle among the women with the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) group and women with no premenstrual symptoms (NPS) group. Energy and carbohydrate intake were significantly increased in luteal and menstrual phases than follicular phase in both groups. Protein intake was significantly increased in luteal phase than follicular phase in both of groups. Fat intake was not difference in according to the menstrual phases in both groups. Weight and body water were significantly increased in luteal and menstrual phases than follicular phase in both groups. Fat mass was significantly increased in luteal phase than follicular phase in both groups. However, the differences in energy, carbohydrate, protein and fat intake, weight, body water and fat mass between groups were not significant. Above finding of this study showed that women's energy intake and body composition have connection with change of menstrual cycle and implied that more systematic study which affects menstrual cycle is requested.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.44-54
• /
• 2013

Objectives : To investigate the frequency and clinical characteristics of premenstrual syndrome(PMS)/premenstrual dysphoric disorder(PMDD) in high school students, and determine the correlates of PMS/PMDD in association with comorbid depression and anxiety. Methods : A total of 1688 students were recruited from 5 high schools in Seoul, Korea. Subjects completed the questionnaire composed of scales to measure premenstrual symptoms, depression, and anxiety, as well as sociodemographic and reproductive variables. Subjects were categorized into 3 groups by using the Premenstrual Symptom Screening Tool(PSST) to determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of PMS/PMDD. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the correlates of PMS/PMDD. Results : The frequency of moderate to severe PMS and PMDD was 20.1% and 6.4%, respectively. Irritability(78.8%), fatigue(76.4%), and emotional sensitivity(69.8%) were common premenstrual symptoms, and functional impairment in academic performance(67.1%) was dominant. Dysmenorrhea[odd ratio(OR)=3.68, 95% confidence interval(CI) 2.45-5.55], family history of PMS(OR=1.91, 95% CI 1.35-2.71), and use of oral contraceptive (OR=1.85, 95% CI 1.16-2.94) were associated with the increased risk of PMS/PMDD after adjustment for depression and anxiety. Negative attitude to menses(OR=15.60, 95% CI 3.61-67.42) was associated with the increased risk of PMS/PMDD, particularly in subjects without depression and anxiety. Conclusions : PMS was common, as the frequency of PMS more than moderate severity including PMDD exceeded 25%, and disrupted daily functioning in adolescents. PMS is associated with various sociodemographic and menstrual characteristics, and these associations are affected by comorbid depression and anxiety.

• Anxiety and mood
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.113-118
• /
• 2016

Objective : Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is known to reduce the quality of sleep and is associated with various psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of PMS with depression, sleep qulity and sleep pattern in Korean female adolescents. Methods : Out of 867 high school female students, 400 female subjects were included in this study. All participants completed self-report questionnaires that included demographic variables, shortened premenstrual assessment form (SPAF), patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), insomnia severity index (ISI) and Korean translation of composite scale (CS). A total of 394 individuals who completed the questionnaires were analyzed. Results : As score of SPAF, 143 subjects was defined PMDD group. They had more prevalence of eveningness, more depressive symptom, poorer sleep quality, and more excessive sleepiness than non-PMDD groups. Although the PMDD groups showed more menstrual dysmenorrhea, no difference was found in bleeding duration and cycle. PMS symptom had correlations with depression, poorer sleep quality and excessive sleepiness during the daytime. There was no difference in sleep duration between two groups, but PMS might have a relationship with eveningness of chronotype. Conclusions : Among Korean female high school students, the PMS might have an association with depression and poor sleep quality, and it might lead to daytime impairment due to excessive sleepiness. An appropriate evaluation of PMS could be helpful in determining the mental health condition of adolescents.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.185-199
• /
• 2012

Objectives: This study aimed to review the effects and treatment of Korean, Oriental, Chinese medicine for premenstrual syndrome(PMS) as preceding research in order to further research the effective Korean Medicine treatment for PMS. Methods: Databases from Jan., 2002 through Feb., 2012 were searched through Pubmed for international journals; Korean studies information service system(KISS), National Discovery for Science Leaders(NDSL), Journal of Korean Acumoxa, J of Oriental Obstetrics and Gynecology, J of Meridian and Acupoint, and J of Korean Oriental Medicine for Korean journals were searched for national journals. The following search terms were used: acupuncture premenstrual syndrome, alternative medicine premenstrual syndrome, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), premenstrual syndrome for Pubmed, premenstrual syndrome(in Korean and English) for the remaining search. Results: Twenty four studies were included in this review. Conclusions: Alternative medicinal intervention such as acupuncture and herb medicine may be effective treatment method in controlling premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder(PMDD).

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.52-60
• /
• 1996

Premenstrual symptoms can begin at anytime after menache and usually remit with menopause. Numerous studies of the premenstrual symptoms have been reported, based on mature woman and clinic patients. As yet, however, no prospective study has specially examined the extent or nature of PMS in adolescents. The authors investigated the pattern of mood, behavior and physical symptom changes in the menstrual cycle for 230 high school students who reported premenstrual symptoms by using Baily Rating form(DRF), The scores on 21 symptoms of DRF were recorded daily for at least one menstrual cycle. The results as follows : 1) 1.7%(4/230) of the subjects who reported premenstrual symptoms met criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder(PMDD) by 30% change criteria. 2) The pattern of symptom changes in the menstrual cycle showed a clear increase in mean daily symptom score at premenstrual -1,-2 day. and reaching a maximum scores at the first day, rapidly decreased at day 4 during menstruation. 3) The mean daily symptom score in the menstrual phase was significantly higher than those in the premenstrual and postmenstrual phase, and significantly higher in the premenstrual phase than that in postmenstrual phase. 4) The scores of the subjects with longer duration of menstrual bleeding were higher than those of the subjects with the shorter duration. Particularly in the menstrual phase, there was a significant difference on the mean scores of physical symptom duster between the longer and shorter group. These results demonstrated that the mean daily pattern of symptom changes in the menstrual cycle for the subjects was similar pattern of change for the PMDD group, except high level of symptom scores if premenstrual phase. The adolescents might experienced more physical discomfort than the other symptoms in the menstrual phase Especially the subject with longer duration of mense flow were more likely to report more discomfort than that of shorter duration.