Survey study, 2021
What is PMDD and how common is it compared to regular PMS?
PMDD is severe PMS with psychological, behavioral, and physical symptoms that happen cyclically. It affects 1-10% of women, while 3-30% have PMS that interferes with daily life. The difference depends on how severe symptoms are and how much they disrupt life.
What they did
Provided clinical education and prevalence information about PMS and PMDD for general practitioners.
What they found
About 8 out of 10 women experience some premenstrual symptoms. PMS and PMDD are diagnosed by timing, severity, and impact on daily life. Normal premenstrual bloating, headaches, acne, mood changes, or constipation that do not interfere with daily activities are not PMS. Age, education, and employment are not associated with either condition.
What it means for you
PMDD is a specific, severe form of PMS that needs to be distinguished from normal premenstrual changes. This is educational content summarizing existing knowledge rather than new research findings.
1-10%
women with PMDD
3-30%
women with PMS affecting daily life
8 in 10
women with premenstrual symptoms
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Akhtar Hasan Khan, Michael Hardway, Kinza Younas
- Journal
- InnovAiT Education and inspiration for general practice
- Year
- 2021
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 10
- What was tested
- None; educational content only
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1177/1755738021990414
Topics
Related studies
Review, 2009
What causes PMDD and what are the treatment options?
Study, 2026
What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Study, 2022
What are the symptoms, causes, and treatments of PMS and PMDD?
Survey study, 2020
How common is premenstrual syndrome in young females?
Review, 2009
How common are PMS and PMDD, and how much do they disrupt women's lives?
Survey study, 2002
How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder among women in Morocco?