A recent survey shows that low awareness among women of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), may cause needless suffering, according to a Nov 16, 2000, news release from the Society for Women's Health Research. Five hundred women were surveyed. Of these, 84% did not know that severe premenstrual problems officially have been recognized as PMDD and that such problems can be diagnosed and treated. Of those surveyed, 24% described their premenstrual symptoms as strong or severe, yet they did not know about PMDD.
Severe mood swings and physical symptoms characterize PMDD. These symptoms can interfere with a woman's everyday life and may affect her relationship with family members and friends. Symptoms go beyond what are considered normal, manageable symptoms of PMS and may include
* irritability,
* depressed mood,
* anxiety,
* sleep disturbance,
* difficulty concentrating,
* angry outbursts,
* breast tenderness, and
* bloating.
Women experience symptoms of PMDD the week before menstruation, and the symptoms disappear a few days after menstruation. Diagnostic criteria of the disorder emphasize depressed mood, anxiety, mood swings, or irritability. Approximately 5% of American women who have regular menstrual cycles suffer from PMDD.
Although almost all of those surveyed reported experiencing premenstrual symptoms within the past 12 months, 45% have never discussed PMS with their physicians. Of those who experience strong or severe symptoms, 27% never discussed the symptoms with their physicians, although most reported the symptoms interfered with their daily activities. When questioned regarding their reluctance to seek treatment, nine out of 10 respondents said they could cope with the problems on their own, and one-fourth said they believed their physicians would not take their complaints seriously.
Of those surveyed, 66% stated they would seek information from their obstetricians or gynecologists if they thought they had PMDD rather than consult friends or use Internet resources. This is positive news, as in 2000, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued treatment guidelines for premenstrual symptoms. The ACOG's preferred method for treating symptoms of PMDD is the administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Survey Finds Women May Suffer Unnecessarily Due to Low Awareness of PMDD as a Recognized Medical Condition (news release, Washington, DC: Society for Women's Health Research, Nov 16, 2000) 1-2. Available from http://www.newsdesk.com/ Accessed 20 Nov 2000.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group
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