The role of anxiety sensitivity in the experience of menstrual-related symptoms reported via daily diary

The current study examined the interactive effects of Anxiety Sensitivity (AS) and menstrual cycle phase in the experience of menstrual-related symptoms. Participants were 55 community women who completed prospective tracking of menstrual-related symptoms across at least one full menstrual cycle using the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) and completed the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) once in their premenstrual and follicular cycle phases. Results revealed that women with higher levels of AS reported greater menstrual-related symptoms, regardless of cycle phase, as compared to women with lower levels of AS. These findings suggest that AS may be an important psychological factor involved in the experience of psychological and somatic symptoms across the menstrual cycle. Results are consistent with previous literature documenting the role of AS in menstrual-related symptoms as well as in other physical health conditions.