---
title: How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder in the general population?
description: About 3-10% of women have premenstrual dysphoric disorder severe enough to disrupt work or social life. About 30.5% have enough symptoms to meet diagnostic cr
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-an-epidemiological-study-1996/
---

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- How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder in the general population?

Survey study, 1996

# How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder in the general population?

About 3-10% of women have premenstrual dysphoric disorder severe enough to disrupt work or social life. About 30.5% have enough symptoms to meet diagnostic criteria.

 Early or limited evidence

Women representative of the general population of Burgos, Spain

## What they did

Studied women representative of the general population of Burgos, Spain using a diagnostic scale based on DSM-III-R criteria to measure premenstrual dysphoric symptoms over one year.

## What they found

On average, each symptom occurred in 28.6% of women in many or every menstrual cycle during the year. 30.5% of women scored above 20, meeting 5-10 diagnostic criteria in every cycle. Symptom intensity was greater in women whose work or social life was affected, who consulted for the disorder, or who received treatment. The scale reliably identified 94% of women meeting diagnostic criteria. Low mood was the main symptom, with physical symptoms including swelling and pain being secondary.

## What it means for you

Premenstrual symptoms are common, but only a minority experience the most disabling form. The scale was reliable and helpful for diagnosis. This study only looked at women in one Spanish city, so findings may differ in other populations or countries.

28.6%

Women with each symptom in many or every cycle

30.5%

Women meeting diagnostic criteria

3-10%

With severe impairment to work or social life

## About the study

Original title [Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: an epidemiological study] Authors de la Gándara Martín JJ, de Diego Herrero E Journal Actas luso-espanolas de neurologia, psiquiatria y ciencias afines Year 1996 Study design Survey study What was tested Not applicable - epidemiological survey Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8766446/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8766446/)

## 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/)

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