Cycle Across the Lifespan · Cycle and General Health
Dorani F et al., 2021 · Journal of psychiatric research
This is the first study to assess the prevalence of symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), episodes of postpartum depression symptoms (PPD) after first childbirth, and climacteric mood symptoms in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 209 consecutive women (18-71 years) with ADHD completed the PMDD chapter of the Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus version 5.0.0 to assess PMDD, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to assess PPD, and the Greene Climacteric Scale to assess climacteric symptoms. Comorbid psychiatric disorders, medication use, and chronobiological sleep characteristics were also assessed. The prevalence of PMDD and PPD were high in ADHD, compared to the general population. PMDD symptoms were associated with less use of contraceptives. Antidepressants were associated with more PMDD symptoms. The following GCS scores were significant increased: anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction, vasomotor and somatic complaints. No significant differences were found in sleep characteristics or current comorbidity between the groups with and without PPD or PMDD, or increased climacteric scores. The prevalences of PMDD, PPD and climacteric scores were high in women with ADHD. This is the first study in women with ADHD that suggests that female ADHD patients suffer from significant PMDD symptoms, experience PPD during the first child birth, and experience more severe climacteric symptoms.
Premenstrual Disorders · Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Nayak A et al., 2025 · Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a significant public health challenge. While research has increased over the past decade, barriers to PMDD diagnosis and treatment persist. This paper explores the global barriers to diagnosis and treatment for PMDD. A scoping review of the literature was performed using the PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL Plus databases to compile existing data on barriers to PMDD diagnosis and treatment. Eligibility criteria for articles included original research published within the last 10 years, written in English, and focused on PMDD with explicit assessment of at least one barrier to diagnosis and/or treatment. Findings were organized into four domains: individual, medical, cultural, and structural barriers. At the individual level, barriers include internalized norms and stigma that deter help-seeking; medical trauma and mistrust; feelings of fear, shame, self-blame, and confusion; and diminished autonomy and increased side effects from prescribed PMDD treatments. Medical barriers include limited provider knowledge, nonadherence to diagnostic and treatment guidelines, and negative patient-provider interactions. Cultural barriers include reproductive and mental health stigma; gender and cultural norms; and cultural preferences for alternative medicine that reduce access to pharmacological treatment. At the structural level, barriers include fragmented healthcare and limited access to health services. These findings highlight the many diagnostic and treatment barriers for individuals living with PMDD, underscoring the need for future research and intersectional approaches to improve health outcomes for this population.
Premenstrual Disorders · Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Hofmeister S et al., 2016 · Am Fam Physician
Premenstrual disorders affect up to 12% of women. The subspecialties of psychiatry and gynecology have developed overlapping but distinct diagnoses that qualify as a premenstrual disorder; these include premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. These conditions encompass psychological and physical symptoms that cause significant impairment during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, but resolve shortly after menstruation. Patientdirected prospective recording of symptoms is helpful to establish the cyclical nature of symptoms that differentiate premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder from other psychiatric and physical disorders. Physicians should tailor therapy to achieve the greatest functional improvement possible for their patients. Select serotonergic antidepressants are first-line treatments. They can be used continuously or only during the luteal phase. Oral contraceptives and calcium supplements may also be used. There is insufficient evidence to recommend treatment with vitamin D, herbal remedies, or acupuncture, but there are data to suggest benefit from cognitive behavior therapy.
Premenstrual Disorders · Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Rapkin AJ et al., 2013 · Paediatric drugs
Numerous epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that premenstrual disorders (PMDs) begin during the teenage years. At least 20 % of adolescents experience moderate-to-severe premenstrual symptoms associated with functional impairment. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) consists of physical and/or psychological premenstrual symptoms that interfere with functioning. Symptoms are triggered by ovulation and resolve within the first few days of menses. The prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS accompanied by affective symptoms, is likely equal to or higher than in adults. The diagnosis of a PMD requires a medical and psychological history and physical examination but it is the daily prospective charting of bothersome symptoms for two menstrual cycles that will clearly determine if the symptoms are related to a PMD or to another underlying medical or psychiatric diagnosis. The number and type of symptoms are less important than the timing. Randomized controlled trials of pharmacologic treatments in teens with moderate-to-severe PMS and PMDD have yet to be performed. However, clinical experience suggests that treatments that are effective for adults can be used in adolescents. PMS can be ameliorated by education about the nature of the disorder, improving calcium intake, performing exercise and reducing stress, but to treat severe PMS or PMDD pharmacologic therapy is usually required. Eliminating ovulation with certain hormonal contraceptive formulations or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists will be discussed. Serotonergic agonists are a first-line therapy for adults, and some serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine and escitalopram can be administered safely to teens.