A Study of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Prevalence, Phenomenology and Personality Factors in College Going Students

Premenstrual syndrome is a common disorder experienced by up to 50%-80% of women during reproductive age. The prevalence of severe form of PMS (PMDD) is 3 % to 8%. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) patients have resulted in significant morbidity. (1) To find out the prevalence and socio-demographic variables of PMDD in the college girls (APA, 1994). To study the Phenomenology and personality characteristic in the PMDD. A group of 300 female students of Nursing belonging to J.L.N. Nursing University, Ajmer, were screened for PMDD by Menstrual History Form and Screening Questionnaire and Menstrual Distress Questionnaire 'A' form [MDQ-A form by Moos]. Out of the 300 students 24 Students, who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for PMDD (DSM-IV TR criteria) formed the experimental Group. Out of the remaining 276 students, 24 Students matched on socio demographic variable with the Experimental group formed the control group. Both the groups were subjected to Eysenck personality inventory (EPI). Prevalence of PMDD in college going girls is 8%. The most common physical and psychological symptoms were fatigability, decrease interest in usual activities respectively. PMDD patients were having significantly higher scores on Neuroticism scale on EPI.