Does workplace stress affect whether women develop PMDD?

Aim: This study examined the longitudinal associations between psychosocial factors in the workplace and the emergence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) symptoms among Japanese female workers, with a particular focus on psychological distress as a potential moderator. Methods: We conducted a 6-month follow-up of 2000 full-time Japanese female workers aged 20-39 without PMDD symptoms at baseline. PMDD symptoms were assessed at follow-up using a validated PMDD scale. Psychosocial factors in the workplace (job demands, job control, supervisor and coworker support, and workplace rewards) were measured at baseline using the New Brief Job Stress Questionnaire. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler 6 psychological distress scale (K6), and participants were stratified by K6 scores (K6 p = 0.025) and those with high psychological distress (OR = 1.37, p = 0.011). Job stability was negatively associated with the emergence of PMDD symptoms among participants with high psychological distress (OR = 0.48, p = 0.010). No significant associations were found among those with low psychological distress. Conclusion: Job stability was a protective factor for the emergence of PMDD symptoms among female workers with high psychological distress, while job control may act as an enhancing factor in the overall sample and among those with high psychological distress. Ensuring job stability might be a measure to prevent PMDD symptoms, especially for female workers with high psychological distress.

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