What characteristics do women with PMDD share?

Objective: To study the socio-demographic profile of women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder to assess factors those have an impact on their pathology and to explore the consequences of the disorder. Materials and Methods: Self-administered online survey distributed in four different internet forums around the world. The survey compiled socio-demographic data such as age, level of income, level of education, size of hometown, marital situation and employment status. Certain health-related items were also included to focus on the consequences of the illness. Results: A non-representative sample of 102 women with Premenstrual Dyspohric Disorder has been used to create a profile of women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder who use Internet forums. The women surveyed provide data that closely fitted the symptom profile in the specialized literature. Thanks to the control questions another unplanned sample emerged of 110 women not diagnosed by professionals. This sample was used to make comparisons. Conclusions: The creation of a socio-demographic profile highlighted the consequences of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. From the methodological point of view, the result emphasizes the need to use specific strategies in internet-based studies to improve participation and to check the authenticity of the responses.

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