Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder among Medical and Paramedical Students- Prevalence, Pattern and Functional Impairment
European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine,
2022, Volume 9, Issue 7, Pages 3755-3760
Abstract
Background: Premenstrual Disorders (PMDs) are characterized by physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms that start after ovulation and subsequently increase during the luteal phase, with a peak of symptoms occurring during the last five premenstrual days, and resolving in 3-4 days following the onset of menstrual bleeding. The symptoms of PMD might lead to impairment in school functions and social interactions. Under reporting of symptoms by women and difficulty in differentiating PMD from normal premenstrual symptoms by clinicians is common. Medical and paramedical students have to face issues like difficulty of course, staying away from home and family, thus lack of social support, which makes them highly vulnerable for stress related mental health issues. The literature suggests inadequate reporting of symptoms of PMDs even in this population which might explain the low prevalence rates of PMDs in this population. Thus it is important to find true prevalence rates of PMDs in this population.To assess prevalence of Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) among medical & paramedical students. To assess pattern and functional impairment PMS and PMDD among medical & paramedical students.Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study carried out in a tertiary care center. A total of 532 students participated in study. Premenstrual symptoms screening tool (PSST) was applied on the participants to assess prevalence, pattern and functional impairment.
Results: The prevalence of PMDs was 50% out of which moderate to severe PMS was 38% and that of PMDD was 12%. More than 90% of students reported at least 1 premenstrual symptom in the last 2 cycles. The most common symptom was fatigue (93%) followed by anger/irritability (92%). The maximum impairment was in domain of college studies or work (79%) followed by impairment in social life (77%).
Conclusion: The high rate of prevalence highlights the need of adequate reporting and diagnosing PMDs so that a proper & timely treatment can be provided to reduce the distress and functional impairments
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