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RESEARCHERS SAY IT TAKES A TOLL ON DAILY LIFE AND RELATIONSHIPS 19:15, 23 Apr 2025 Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) takes a significant toll on those living with the condition, and
their partners, according to a groundbreaking new study. The research, led by Durham University, UK, explored the impacts of PMDD on quality of life and relationships, which were previously
unknown until now. PMDD is a severe cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder, which affects between 2-5%* of people who menstruate across the world. The large-scale study involving over 400
individuals revealed that participants with PMDD reported lower quality of life and relationships. The findings highlighted various challenges, including physical, psychological, social, and
environmental aspects of life. PMDD sufferers, which accounted for over 50% of respondents (216), expressed a lower sense of intimacy, trust and passion within their relationships. These
findings were echoed by the partners of sufferers who also indicated wide-ranging impacts on their quality of life and relationships, as part of the research. The study compared the
responses of 92 partners of PMDD sufferers, against 59 partners of people in a relationship with someone who has a menstrual cycle but doesn’t have PMDD. KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST
LOCAL NEWS FROM COUNTY DURHAM WITH OUR FREE NEWSLETTER Partners of individuals with PMDD expressed feelings of high stress, a diminished sense of personal growth and worth, difficulties or
inabilities within their caregiving roles, and a general sense of feeling unsupported. They also reported similar levels of dissatisfaction within their relationships. However, both
sufferers and partners agreed ‘love’ and ‘commitment’ remained unaffected, with strong and consistent responses in these areas from people living with the condition and their companions. The
study is published in the journal PLOS One. Lead author, Dr Sophie Hodgetts, Department of Psychology at Durham University, said: “Our findings show that PMDD significantly affects both the
individual diagnosed and their partner, as well as the overall quality of life within the home. It is particularly striking that the patterns of difficulty reported were so similar for both
PMDD sufferers and their partners. “This study clearly highlights the need for greater clinical recognition of the interpersonal impact of PMDD, and the development of targeted,
couple-focused interventions to better support those affected.” PMDD is often mistaken for PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), but the two conditions are vastly different in severity and impact.
While PMS can cause mild mood changes, irritability, and physical discomfort before a period, PMDD goes far beyond that, leading to severe mood disturbances, intense anxiety, depression,
rage, and even suicidal thoughts. These symptoms occur in the luteal phase (the one to two weeks before menstruation) and typically disappear shortly after the period begins. These findings
suggest that more and future clinical research should aim to develop PMDD-specific interventions that support both the person with PMDD and their partner. The study was conducted with the
support of the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD). The association aims to enhance understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with PMDD and offers
tailored support to both sufferers and their partners. Aaron Kinghorn, Director and Partner Support Group Lead at IAPMD, said: “PMDD is the perfect storm, a conflation of two stigmas; mental
health and menstrual health and subsequently the research about PMDD, especially on individuals and relationships, is incredibly sparse. “This study reflects themes that we see repeatedly
in our peer support programmes and highlights that more support is needed for those with PMDD and their partners.” April is Premenstrual Disorder Awareness Month which aims to highlight the
challenges faced by those with the condition and support better understanding of the condition. This year’s campaign focuses on the theme of ‘Stronger Together’. Dr Hodgetts added: “Our
findings reflect this years’ theme of ‘Stronger Together’, by underscoring the need to recognise PMDD as something that affects both the individual and those around them. “By developing a
more holistic approach to PMDD care, that includes support for those who care for someone with the condition, we can improve outcomes for everyone affected.” Dr Hodgetts continuing work with
IAPMD aims to delve deeper into the aspects of relationships affected by PMDD. Future plans include a follow-up study involving interviews and focus groups with PMDD sufferers and their
loved ones, to better identify areas for intervention and inform the development of supportive strategies. Additionally, the collaboration is exploring the lived experiences of undergoing
treatment for PMDD and investigating the intersection of PMDD and neurodivergence. Article continues below JOIN OUR COUNTY DURHAM WHATSAPP COMMUNITY Join our County Durham WhatsApp community
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