Assessment of anxiety and depression in adolescents with primary dysmenorrhea: a case-control study.
J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2013;
26:350-4. [PMID:
24075089 DOI:
10.1016/j.jpag.2013.06.018]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between primary dysmenorrhea and symptoms of depression and anxiety among adolescent female students in Tbilisi, Georgia.
DESIGN
A case-control study.
SETTING
Tbilisi, Georgia.
PARTICIPANTS
Four hundred twenty-four postmenarcheal girls aged 14-20 years (a subset of a larger study involving 2561 girls).
METHODS
The data was gathered in 2011 by the use of a questionnaire prepared for the purpose of this study, completed anonymously. Menstrual pattern, depression and anxiety level were evaluated in both groups; continuous and categorical variables were compared by Pearson chi-square test. Depressive symptoms were determined by a self-reporting scale (Beck Depression Inventory); anxiety was determined using Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (TMAS) and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Differences in mental health between two groups.
RESULTS
Patients with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) had significantly higher scores of depression than the control subjects: moderate depression, 15.9% in PD patients vs 6.2% in control subjects and severe depression, 1.8% vs 0% (P < .003, LR 0.001). High anxiety (TMAS) was also more prevalent in adolescents with primary dysmenorrhea (44% vs 9.9%; P < .001, LR < 0.001). STAI scores were also significantly higher in these patients than in healthy women (68.9% vs 25.0%; P < .001, LR < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Primary dysmenorrhea is strongly linked with positive scores for depression and anxiety. Because of this association, attention should be given to effective mental health screening in these patients; psychological support may be necessary during their treatment and follow-up.
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