Prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder among school-going adolescent girls

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome which has a significant negative impact on the various domains of life of adolescent girls.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of PMDD in adolescent girls studying in classes 7^th-10^th and ascertain the level of stress, anxiety, and depression among them.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in three all-girls schools in Chandigarh (two - government and one - private) after taking necessary permissions. Participants were evaluated on a self-rated questionnaire which included the PMDD scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9.

A total of 397 girls participated in the study. The mean age of respondents was 14.34 (standard deviation [SD]: 1.17; range: 11-20) years, with most (44%) studying in class 10^th. The mean age of attaining menarche was 12.54 (SD: 0.92; range: 10-15) years. The prevalence of PMDD was found to be 4.8% (n = 19). Majority of the respondents reported moderate levels of perceived stress (62%). A positive correlation was seen between the severity of PMDD, age, levels of perceived stress, severity of depression, and anxiety in the respondents.

Nearly 5% of adolescent girls suffer from PMDD, with higher prevalence among those with depression, GAD, and higher perceived stress. Thus, there is a need to screen adolescent females for PMDD at the earliest and institute intervention to minimize its negative impact.