PMS, EEG, and Photic Stimulation by Noton D Ph.D.

Two studies of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), EEG, and photic stimulation have recently been completed at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London (UK)* In a preliminary trial of photic stimulation as a treatment for PMS, seventeen women with PMS were treated with a take-home flashing light device for 15 to 20 minutes per day throughout their cycle. At the end of three months of treatment the median reduction in PMS symptoms for the 17 patients was 76%, and twelve of the 17 patients technically no longer had PMS. Separately, an EEG study of six women with PMS demonstrated that when they were premenstrual their EEGs showed more slow (delta) activity and slower P 300 evoked response than when they were mid-cycle. These results are discussed in the context of other known “slow brainwave” disorders, such as ADD and Minor Head Injury, and various theoretical explanations are proposed.READ FULL TEXT (PDF)

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and Changes in Prefrontal Alpha Asymmetry (abs.) by Baehr E

This paper will present new research on the relationship between premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and changes in frontal alpha asymmetry. It has been found that some women, with a history of depression, have abnormal hormone changes prior to their menses. Abrupt shifts in mood, often with suicidal ideation, are associated with the onset of menstruation. READ FULL TEXT (PDF)