Interview study, 2017
How does PMDD affect women at work and what can employers do to help?
Women with PMDD experience severe difficulty concentrating, self-doubt, paranoia, fatigue, tearfulness, and difficulty with social interaction at work. Some women leave their jobs or careers entirely because of PMDD.
What they did
Qualitative study of 15 women with PMDD. Semi-structured interviews explored their experiences at work and were analyzed for common themes.
What they found
Common work symptoms include difficulty concentrating, self-doubt, paranoia, fatigue, tearfulness, heightened sensitivity, emotional outbursts, and social difficulties. After menstruation begins, women overcompensate by working longer hours. This cycle repeats monthly. Over time, women leave their jobs or careers entirely.
What it means for you
PMDD significantly impacts women's work performance and is driving women out of the workforce. Employers need awareness and support systems for female employees with PMDD. The main limit is this is a small qualitative study with no information about location or organization types.
15
women interviewed
About the study
- Original title
- Exploring premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in the work context: a qualitative study
- Authors
- Hardy C, Hardie J
- Journal
- Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology
- Year
- 2017
- Study design
- Interview study
- What was tested
- None
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/0167482x.2017.1286473
Topics
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