Perceived occupational competence and value among university students with premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is defined as a mental health issue and is assessed using DSM-V diagnostic criteria. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder comprises emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms that occur in the premenstrual phase and resolve shortly after the start of menstruation. These symptoms and functional impairment may negatively affect occupational competence and value. This study investigated perceived occupational competence and value in university students with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

This cross-sectional study was performed at a public university with 35 students with PMDD and 35 age-matched students without PMDD. Occupational competence and value were evaluated using the Occupational Self-Assessment (OSA).

There was a significant difference between the groups in OSA competence score (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in OSA value score (p > 0.05).

This study demonstrated that university students with PMDD experience more occupational competence challenges than peers without PMDD. Further studies should be performed to determine the role of occupational therapy in the rehabilitation of PMDD.