Some aspects of anxiety as a function of the menstrual cycle

Santini, Maria. (2013). Some aspects of anxiety as a function of the menstrual cycle. Diploma Thesis. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu, Department of Psychology. [mentor Hromatko, Ivana].

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate some aspects of anxiety and perceived physiological fluctuations during four phases of menstrual cycle: menstrual, late follicular, mid-luteal and premenstrual phase. This longitudinal study was carried out on 125 healthy female subjects with regular menstrual cycles. Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scales (EMAS) were used for the assessment of trait and state anxiety levels and the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) was used to assess physiological changes. Level of anxiety sensitivity was measured with Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI). Subjects completed EMAS-S and MDQ questionnaires in all four phases of the menstrual cycle. A repeated measure ANOVA showed significant variations of state anxiety and physiological symptoms during the menstrual cycle. Results indicated that state anxiety and menstrual symptoms were similarly severe during premenstrual and menstrual phases and then reduced during the remaining two phases when hormone levels are higher. The trait anxiety showed neither a significant main effect for state anxiety, nor an interaction with phases of menstrual cycle. Anxiety sensitivity, on the other hand, significantly predicts state anxiety regardless of the menstrual phase.

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