Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a common psychiatric disorder, affecting 1.2-5% of AFAB (assigned female at birth) people of reproductive age (Dennerstein 2012). The symptoms are wide ranging and fluctuate dramatically, which if observed without the context of the timing of the menstrual cycle, can appear baffling.

PMDD may masquerade as a number of other mental and physical health conditions and has a significant association with suicidal and self-harming behaviour. It is important for psychiatrists working with premenopausal women and adolescents to be aware of the disorder, how it may present and the role of the psychiatrist in management, which may involve lifestyle changes, psychological, psychotropic, hormonal therapies and occasionally surgery.

This module gives the learner an overview of the disorder and considers specifically the interface between PMDD and mental health services, including first-hand accounts from people with lived experience.