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Interview study, 2017

What is the experience of living with PMDD and how well do doctors understand it?

Women with PMDD reported severe suffering including suicidal thoughts and felt misunderstood by both doctors and family members.

Early or limited evidence 15 women from different countries diagnosed with PMDD

What they did

Researchers conducted online interviews with 15 women from different countries who had been diagnosed with PMDD. Women described their experience living with the condition and their interactions with doctors and family.

What they found

Women reported that PMDD caused suicidal thoughts during the premenstrual phase. During this time, daily activities became impossible. Most said it took a long time to get diagnosed and that they felt misunderstood by both family and healthcare providers. Several women considered hysterectomy as a solution to their problems.

What it means for you

PMDD is a serious condition with major impact on life and mental health, and lack of understanding from doctors and family may worsen suffering. Main limitations include the very small sample size, lack of international representation, and recruitment through internet only.

15

women interviewed

About the study

Original title
AUTOPERCEPCIÓN DE LA VIVENCIA DE SU AFECCIÓN Y DE SU RELACIÓN CON PROFESIONALES DE LA SALUD EN UNA MUESTRA DE MUJERES DIAGNOSTICADAS DE TRASTORNO DISFÓRICO PREMENSTRUAL
Authors
Agustín Quílez Clavero
Journal
Revistes Científiques de la University of Barcelona (University of Barcelona)
Year
2017
Study design
Interview study
Participants
15
Open access
Yes

Topics