Survey study, 2026
How common is PMDD in Russian medical students, and what are its symptoms?
About 14.3% of medical students had PMDD, or 25.4% including mild forms. Most common symptoms were depression (87.9%), anxiety (48.3%), and sleep problems (31.0%).
What they did
Survey of 406 female medical students aged 18-34 using a PMS questionnaire and hospital anxiety and depression scale.
What they found
14.3% met criteria for PMDD; 25.4% including mild forms. Depression symptoms in 87.9%, anxiety in 48.3%, sleep problems in 31.0%. 39.1% had both significant depression and anxiety. 11.6% had PMDD with depression, anxiety, and sleep problems combined. Physical symptoms included breast tenderness, weight gain, and swelling. Headaches affected 50% with PMDD; nausea and vomiting also occurred. Risk factors included painful periods, prolonged bleeding (5-6+ days), age 20-24, and smoking.
What it means for you
PMDD is common in young medical students and significantly affects their studies and social life. This is a Russian population, so findings may not apply elsewhere. The study used questionnaires but had no control group to compare.
14.3%
with PMDD
87.9%
with depression symptoms
25.4%
including mild forms
About the study
- Original title
- Распространенность и клинические проявления предменструального дисфорического расстройства среди студенток-медиков
- Authors
- Ф.В. Орлов, А.В. Голенков, Е.Ф. Орлова et al.
- Journal
- Психиатрия психотерапия и клиническая психология
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 406
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.34883/pi.2026.17.3.009
Original abstract
Введение. Предменструальное дисфорическое расстройство (ПМДР) в России изучено недостаточно. Молодые девушки, обучающиеся в высшем учебном заведении, находятся в группе риска. Цель. Оценка распространенности ПМДР и определение его клинических проявлений среди студенток-медиков. Материалы и методы. Обследовано 406 студенток-медиков медицинского факультета Чувашского госуниверситета в возрасте от 18 до 34 лет (средний возраст 21,26±1,75 года). Использовалась анкета для исследования ПМС и Госпитальная шкала тревоги и депрессии. Данные анализировались с помощью программного обеспечения с использованием критерия χ2. Результаты. У 14,3% студенток выявлены психические и соматические симптомы, соответствующие критериям ПМДР. С учетом легких форм с менее выраженной депрессией и тревогой этот показатель возрастает до 25,4%. Симптомы депрессии, тревоги и нарушений сна как по отдельности, так и в совокупности связаны с повышенным риском ПМДР. Депрессия оказалась самым частым психическим симптомом в клинической картине ПМДР. У 87,9% девушек была диагностирована клинически значимая депрессия со средним баллом 13,16±2,38. Выраженная тревожность наблюдалась у 48,3% со средним баллом 13,64±2,45. У 39,1% студенток диагностированы коморбидные выраженные депрессия и тревога. Нарушения сна встречались у 31,0% девушек. У 11,6% диагностированы ПМДР с выраженными депрессией и тревожностью, а также нарушениями сна. Среди соматических проявлений чаще всего встречаются нагрубание и болезненность молочных желез, увеличение массы тела, отечность лица, голеней и пальцев рук. Головная боль и повышенное АД были характерными симптомами ПМДР. У половины студенток с ПМДР наблюдаются головные боли, а также тошнота и рвота. Повышенный риск развития этого состояния у девушек, обучающихся в вузе, связан с болезненными менструациями и продолжительными кровотечениями (5–6 дней и более). Анализ показывает связь с возрастом 20–24 года, началом половой жизни, нарушениями менструального цикла в анамнезе. Фактором риска является табакокурение. Заключение. ПМДР часто встречается у студенток-медиков, значительно нарушая их социальную активность и учебу. Клиницистам важно знать о ПМДР, чтобы избежать ошибочных диагнозов психических расстройств, информировать пациентов о природе аффективных расстройств. Для улучшения качества жизни девушек с ПМДР необходимо раннее выявление и лечение. Introduction. Due to the recent classification of PMDD as a separate category and its clinical heterogeneity, it has been understudied in Russia, and its prevalence requires further investigation. Young women studying at a higher education institution are at risk. Purpose. To assess the prevalence of PMDD and determine its clinical manifestations among female medical students. Materials and methods. The study involved 406 female medical students from the Faculty of Medicine of Chuvashia State University, aged 18 to 34 years (mean age 21.26±1.75 years). A questionnaire for the study of PMDD and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used. Data were analyzed using software and the chi-square test. Results. 14.3% of female medical students exhibited mental and somatic symptoms meeting the criteria for PMDD. Taking into account mild forms with less severe depression and anxiety, this figure rises to 25.4%. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, both individually and in combination, are associated with an increased risk of PMDD. Depression was the most common mental symptom. Clinically significant depression was diagnosed in 87.9% of the students, with a mean score of 13.16±2.38. Severe anxiety was observed in 48.3% of female students, with a mean score of 13.64±2.45. Comorbid severe depression and anxiety were diagnosed in 39.1% of female students. Sleep disturbances were observed in 31.0% of female students. PMDD with severe depression and anxiety, as well as sleep disturbances, was diagnosed in 11.6%. Headache and high blood pressure were characteristic symptoms of PMDD. Among somatic manifestations, the most common were breast tenderness and engorgement, weight gain, and swelling of the face, shins, and fingers. Half of the female students with PMDD experienced headaches, nausea, and vomiting. The increased risk of developing this condition in female students studying at a higher educational institution is associated with painful menstruation and prolonged bleeding (5–6 days or more). The analysis shows an association with age 20–24, the onset of sexual activity, and a history of menstrual irregularities. Smoking is a risk factor. Conclusion. PMDD is common among female medical students, significantly disrupting their social activities and academic performance. It is important for clinicians to be aware of PMDD to avoid misdiagnoses of mental disorders and to educate patients about the nature of affective disorders. Early detection and treatment are essential to improve the quality of life of young women with PMDD.
Reproduced under CC-BY.
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