Prevalence and predictors of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder in a population-based sample

Abstract

The study aimed at assessing the prevalence of premenstrual symptoms and of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in a population-based sample of women of the entire reproductive age range, as well as to analyse predictors of PMS and PMDD in terms of socio-demographic, health status and health behavioural factors. A set of questions on PMS-based on the premenstrual syndrome screening tool developed by Steiner et al., translated into German and piloted-was integrated into the written questionnaire of the 2007 Swiss Health Survey. Weighted prevalence rates and multivariable regression analysis for the outcome variables PMS and PMDD were calculated. A total of 3,913 women aged 15 to 54 years answered the questions on PMS symptoms, and 3,522 of them additionally answered the questions on interference of PMS with life. Ninety one percent of the participants reported at least one symptom, 10.3% had PMS and 3.1% fulfilled the criteria for PMDD. The prevalence of PMS was higher in non-married women, in women aged 35-44 years and in women of the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Both PMS and PMDD were strongly associated with poor physical health and psychological distress. Socio-cultural factors seem to determine the prevalence, perception and handling of PMS. Considering the association with poor physical health and high psychological distress, a broader underlying vulnerability in women qualifying for PMDD must be assumed and should be taken into account in clinical management as well as in future research in this field.

Epidemiology of Premenstrual Syndrome, A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study

“…However, the year of study has no effect on increasing the frequency of PMS. Studies reported the prevalence of PMS in 10% of 3913 participants [26] and 12% of 2863 participants [27]. In contrast, studies with low sample size have shown the higher frequency of the PMS [28].…”

A specific profile of luteal phase progesterone is associated with the development of premenstrual symptoms

“…Up to 30% felt them to be considerably bothersome, whilst a smaller proportion of women (3-8%) who experienced severe and debilitating symptoms, were diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD; American Psychiatric Association, 2013), which is considered a distinct psychiatric disorder (Halbreich et al, 2003;Tschudin et al, 2010;Wittchen et al, 2002). It is not clear however, whether PMS and PMDD are separate entities or whether PMDD is an extreme form of PMS.…”

“…The most commonly reported psychological symptoms included anger and irritability, mood swings/tearfulness, fatigue/lack of energy and food cravings, whilst physical symptoms include bloating, weight gain and breast tenderness Tschudin et al, 2010). Although the syndrome is not distinguished by a specific set of symptoms, there is a consensus that certain symptoms should be present for 2 or more days during the 14 days prior to menstruation, and subside by the end of the menstrual flow (Halbreich et al, 2007).…”

Premenstrual mood disorders: pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria and treatment (a review)

“…В швейцарском общепопуляционном исследовании [21] выявлено, что 3% женщин репродуктивного возраста имеют критерии для диагностики ПМДР; индийские ис-следователи [22] сообщают о частоте в 6%; сплошное по-пуляционное исследование нигерийских студентов-меди-ков [23] показало, что у 36% респонденток имеются крите-рии для диагностики ПМДР.…”