Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Prevalence, quality of life and disability due to illness among medical and paramedical students

Abstract

Background: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe and disabling form of Premenstrual syndromes (PMS) affecting 3–9% of menstruating women. It causes impairment in physical and psychological health and severe dysfunction in social or occupational areas. Data on prevalence on PMDD and its impact on quality of life is limited especially in India. This study aims to explore the prevalence of PMDD, impact on quality of life and disability caused by PMDD. Methods: 661 female medical and paramedical students participated in the study. Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST), Daily Record of Severity of Problems form (DRSP), World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF and Sheehan disability scale (SDS) were administered. Results: In the present study, 5.04% students were screened positive by PSST and the prevalence of PMDD was 4.43% by DRSP. Impairment in all areas of functioning was found, most frequently in work/school efficiency or productivity (70.33%) followed by social activities (36.23%). The quality of life of women with PMDD was lower than others especially in social relationship domain. Limitations: The study population is not representative of general population and there can be subjective bias as self-reporting questionnaire has been used. Also causation cannot be established between presence of PMDD and decreased quality of life, functional impairment. Conclusion: Quality of life among PMDD participants was lower especially in social relationships domain. All areas of functioning were also significantly affected in PMDD participants. Identification of the disorder should lead to treatment of more women with PMDD improving their quality of life and functioning.

Keywords

• PMDD
• PMS
• Quality of life
• Prevalence
• Disability
• DSRP