Abstract
BackgroundPremenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a female psychiatric disorder affecting the behaviour, cognitive abilities, mental health status and academic performance of female students. It includes: mood symptoms, behaviour symptoms and physical symptoms.AimTo assess phenomenology, measure the prevalence of PMDD among university students and assess the relationship between PMDD and socio-demographic and personality characteristics.SettingThis study was conducted at Zagazig University, Sharqia Governorate, Egypt.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to December 2020. It included 755 university students. They filled several questionnaires covering Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose PMDD, socio-demographic, menstrual factors, physical activity and personality traits.ResultsPremenstrual dysphoric disorder was found in 159 out of 755 students (21.1%). Overall, the most frequently reported premenstrual symptoms were overeating/food cravings (84.2%), fatigue/lack of energy (83.6%), depressed mood/hopelessness (82.0%) and hypersomnia (78.9%). Binary logistic regression model revealed that significantly related PMDD risk factors include: being a medical student, having a duration of menstrual bleeding ≥ 7 days, the average length of one cycle ˂ 28 days, high menstrual blood loss, presence of dysmenorrhea and positive family history of premenstrual syndrome (sister/mother). Regarding personality traits, low extroversion and agreeableness, and high neuroticism were also significant PMDD risk factors.ConclusionPrevalence of PMDD was high among university students, especially medical students, and it can have a detrimental effect on both academic life and educational accomplishments, quality of life and daily living activities.
Highlights
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is referred to as late luteal phase dysphoric disorder
Binary logistic regression model revealed that significantly related PMDD risk factors include being a medical student, having a duration of menstrual bleeding ≥ 7 days, the average length of one cycle 28 days, high Menstrual blood loss (MBL), presence of dysmenorrhea and positive family history of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
This study found that the prevalence of PMDD among female university students was 21.1%
Summary
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is referred to as late luteal phase dysphoric disorder. Behaviour symptoms and physical symptoms are involved in the syndrome. This pattern of symptoms is seen during the menstrual cycle at a particular moment, and for a while, between menstrual cycles, the symptoms resolve. In female students in higher education institutions, it is one of the most common problems that has negatively affected academic performance and professional and interpersonal relationships.[1]. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a female psychiatric disorder affecting the behaviour, cognitive abilities, mental health status and academic performance of female students. It includes: mood symptoms, behaviour symptoms and physical symptoms
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