What is it about?
PMDD is a severe cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder, which affects between 2-5% of people who menstruate across the world. The groundbreaking study, undertaken with support of the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD), looked at the toll on those living with the condition, and their partners, which until now had been relatively unknown.
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Why is it important?
Our study shows that PMDD is associated with poor life and relationship quality for both those with the condition and their partners. This highlights the need for PMDD-specific support that goes beyond prescription drugs and managing symptoms. Indeed, we know from other mood disorders (such as depression and anxiety) that good interpersonal relationships are crucial for successfully managing long-term conditions. We also know that the partners and spouses of someone with mental illness often find themselves acting as a familial caregiver for their partner. Studies of other mood disorders have shown that familial caregivers are at a higher risk of developing mental illnesses themselves, when compared to the general population. Finally, supporting familial caregivers is known to improve life for all involved – meaning it’s important to find out where PMDD partners are struggling, and how we can best support them.
Perspectives
We hope that this article highlights that the evidence base for most forms of PMDD-specific support is currently lacking. Therefore, we call for future research to investigate how community-based and family-based support for PMDD might work. We also call on PMDD researchers to acknowledge the need to support PMDD-partners, as supporting them will likely result in positive outcomes for both individuals in the relationship. My current follow-up study plans, in collaboration with IAPMD involve interviews and focus groups with PMDD sufferers and their loved ones to identify areas for intervention and inform the development of supportive strategies. Additionally, I'm keen to explore the lived experiences of undergoing PMDD treatment and the intersection of PMDD and neurodivergence.
Sophie Hodgetts
Durham University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Examining the impact of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) on life and relationship quality: An online cross-sectional survey study, PLOS One, April 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0322314.
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