Influence of premenstrual syndrome on attentional capture by expressions in the luteal phase

Abstract

El trabajo examina si el síndrome premenstrual (SPM) modula la captura atencional exógena por expresiones emocionales durante la fase lútea. Cuarenta y siete mujeres realizaron una tarea de captura atencional en dos fases del ciclo, con rostros emocionales como distractores; se registraron medidas conductuales y potenciales relacionados con eventos (PRE), y los síntomas premenstruales se monitorizaron durante dos ciclos. No se observaron interacciones significativas del SPM en comportamiento ni en los PRE. Sin embargo, los estímulos emocionales, especialmente los rostros de ira, capturaron más la atención que los neutros, con aumentos en P1 y N170. Los hallazgos no apoyan que el SPM module la atención exógena a estímulos emocionales. Se recomienda considerar estados afectivos individuales (p. ej., depresión y ansiedad asociados al SPM) en lugar del SPM como categoría para futuras investigaciones.Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is characterized by its high incidence and the presence of negative emotional symptoms during the luteal phase. While various studies suggest that the menstrual cycle affects emotional processing, the role of PMS has barely been investigated. Prior evidence suggests that the menstrual cycle does not modulate the attentional capture by emotional faces. Building on this, the present study explores whether PMS may influence this process. To this end, forty-seven women performed an attentional capture task during both phases of the menstrual cycle, with emotional faces serving as distractors. Both behavioral performance and Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) were recorded. Additionally, premenstrual symptoms were monitored over two menstrual cycles. Results showed no significant interaction effect of PMS, either at the behavioral or ERP levels. However, emotional stimuli, particularly angry faces, consistently captured attention more than neutral ones, as reflected in enhanced P1 and N170 components. These results indicate no evidence that PMS modulates exogenous attention to emotional stimuli. Future studies should consider individual affective states, such as depressive and anxiety symptoms associated with PMS, rather than PMS as a category, to further investigate the potential effects of PMS on attentional capture.