Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder among medical students and its impact on their academic and social performance

Abstract

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disorder affecting large number of population in terms of their physical and psychological well-being. A large number of college drop outs are because of PMS. Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of presence of different symptoms of PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) among medical college girls and its effect on their social and academic life. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in a medical college in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year MBBS student girls by providing them a questionnaire regarding the presence of different symptoms of PMS and PMDD and its impact on their academic and social performance. Results: The prevalence of PMS was reported to be 65% in the present study. The most common somatic symptom was body pain (52%) and the most common affective symptom was irritability (50%). In spite of this, only 12% of individuals with PMS become absent in class and 32% avoid joining social functions. The prevalence of PMDD among the study population was 12%. Conclusion: It is concluded from the present study that PMS and PMDD are very common problems among medical students affecting their educational and social activities.