How common is suicidal thinking in women with PMDD?

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe mood disorder, considered the most debilitating form of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), affecting 1 in 20 women globally. Women with PMDD experience intense psychological symptoms in the latter half of their menstrual cycle, with over 70% experiencing suicidal ideation and 1 in 3 attempting suicide. Despite the severity of the condition, there are limited support services available. This study aimed to synthesise the evidence on suicidality in women with PMDD. Using a systematic review approach, the study analysed published papers from four databases: EBSCOhost, Web of Science, Medline, and Science Direct. Articles included were published in English over the past 15 years, focusing on suicidality in women with PMDD. These studies were either qualitative or quantitative and cross-sectional in design and were evaluated using a narrative synthesis approach. Seven articles were included in the review, revealing a strong association between PMDD and suicidality. The analysis showed that women with PMDD have a significantly higher risk of suicidality and other mental health conditions, such as severe depression, compared to women without PMDD. The study identified three categories of suicidality: suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts. Women with PMDD were found to be seven times more likely to experience suicidality than those without the disorder. Additionally, the findings emphasised that early diagnosis and education can help mitigate the adverse effects of PMDD. These findings underscore the need for more research on PMDD and suicidality and the development of more effective management strategies for women affected by PMDD.

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