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Survey study, 2002

How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder among women in Morocco?

About half of 618 women interviewed in Casablanca met criteria for PMDD, with the most common symptoms being appetite changes, depressed mood, and emotional instability.

Early or limited evidence 618 women in Casablanca, Morocco; mean age 32.2 years, ranging from 20 to 50

What they did

Cross-sectional survey of 618 women in Casablanca assessed for PMDD using DSM-IV criteria and a socio-demographic questionnaire, tracking symptoms over one menstrual cycle.

What they found

310 of 618 women (50.2%) met PMDD criteria. Mean age was 32.2 ± 8 years. Among women with PMDD: 82.8% (n=256) had appetite changes or overeating, 77.7% (n=241) had depressed mood or hopelessness, 65.8% (n=204) had marked emotional instability, 65% (n=201) had difficulty concentrating, 59.7% (n=185) had sleep problems, and 55.7% (n=172) felt overwhelmed.

What it means for you

PMDD appears to be very common in this population, affecting about half of women. The most frequent symptoms are appetite changes and mood changes. However, this was one study in one city, so the findings may not apply to other regions or countries, and it tracked only one cycle.

310 of 618

women meeting PMDD criteria (50.2%)

82.8%

with appetite changes or overeating

77.7%

with depressed mood or hopelessness

About the study

Original title
[Assessment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms: population of women in Casablanca]
Authors
McHichi alami Kh, Tahiri SM, Moussaoui D et al.
Journal
L'Encephale
Year
2002
Study design
Survey study
Participants
283
What was tested
None; symptoms were observed over one menstrual cycle

Topics