---
title: Should premenstrual dysphoric disorder be classified as a mental illness?
description: A bioethicist argues PMDD should not be classified as a psychiatric disorder because doing so pathologizes normal anger and distress. This is a philosophical
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/is-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-really-a-disorder-2015/
---

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- Should premenstrual dysphoric disorder be classified as a mental illness?

Study, 2015

# Should premenstrual dysphoric disorder be classified as a mental illness?

A bioethicist argues PMDD should not be classified as a psychiatric disorder because doing so pathologizes normal anger and distress. This is a philosophical perspective, not based on a research study.

 Early or limited evidence

This is not a study of women; it is a philosophical analysis of diagnostic classification

## What they did

A bioethicist examined arguments about whether PMDD should be included in diagnostic manuals (DSM-5 and ICD-11). The author considered evidence about biology, culture, medication effects, and social factors related to premenstrual symptoms.

## What they found

The author argues that: (1) calling normal premenstrual anger and distress a mental illness can be harmful; (2) PMDD appears more common in some cultures than others, not universal; (3) biological differences or medication effects do not prove premenstrual anger is caused by a mental disorder; and (4) changing social attitudes is more ethical than labeling women as mentally ill.

## What it means for you

This is a philosophical argument that calling premenstrual symptoms a disorder may harm women by medicalizing normal distress. The author acknowledges women's real suffering but argues it does not require a psychiatric diagnosis. There is legitimate debate about how to classify premenstrual symptoms.

## About the study

Original title Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder really a disorder? Authors Browne TK Journal Journal of bioethical inquiry Year 2015 Study design Study Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s11673-014-9567-7](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11673-014-9567-7)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Stigma, attitudes and culture](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-stigma-culture/)

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