A Role for the Serotonin Transporter in the Largely Unknown Molecular Pathophysiology of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Abstract

Despite a prevalence of approximately 5% in females, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) suffers from a lack of investigation at the neurochemical level in humans. The preferred fundamental study design in PMDD is to investigate neurobiology across the menstrual cycle, which inherently rules out direct brain tissue assays from postmortem study that are unable to be repeated in the same participant. Therefore, molecular imaging methods applicable for longitudinal designs are highly relevant for creating advances in PMDD. SEE CORRESPONDING ARTICLE ON PAGE 1081 SEE CORRESPONDING ARTICLE ON PAGE 1081 Increase in Serotonin Transporter Binding in Patients With Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Across the Menstrual Cycle: A Case-Control Longitudinal Neuroreceptor Ligand Positron Emission Tomography Imaging StudyBiological PsychiatryVol. 93Issue 12PreviewPremenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) disrupts the lives of millions of people each month. The timing of symptoms suggests that hormonal fluctuations play a role in the pathogenesis. Here, we tested whether a heightened sensitivity of the serotonin system to menstrual cycle phase underlies PMDD, assessing the relationship of serotonin transporter (5-HTT) changes with symptom severity across the menstrual cycle. Full-Text PDF