Understanding of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual syndrome among professionals in Japanese university health services: A survey with simulated cases

Objectives

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) exert profoundly adverse effects on quality of life. We surveyed psychiatrists and clinical psychologists in Japan to determine their understanding and practice of diagnosing PMDD/PMS.

Methods

We targeted psychiatrists and clinical psychologists working at health administration facilities of universities in Japan who treat female patients with depressive symptoms in their late teens and 20 s—when PMDD/PMS is likely to develop. We presented a fictitious clinical case of a 23-year-old female and investigated whether the participants considered PMDD/PMS as a potential diagnosis. We also investigated the practitioners’ basic understanding of PMDD/PMS.

Results

We analyzed survey responses from 26 psychiatrists and 140 clinical psychologists. Comparatively few respondents considered PMDD/PMS a possible diagnosis or routinely inquired about a patient’s menstruation. When practitioners were provided with information linking observed symptoms to the menstrual cycle, most considered PMDD and PMS possible diagnoses. Recognizing and considering PMDD/PMS was related to the respondents’ attributes.

Conclusions

Clinicians should consider PMDD/PMS when treating women with depressive symptoms.