Frequency and predictors of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and its association with affective temperaments

Abstract

Objective: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a clinically important condition that affects a significant proportion of women and causes deterioration of quality of life. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the frequency of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and its relationship with demographic and clinical variables and affective temperaments. Method: An online survey form including sociodemographic data, Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool, and Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Auto-questionnaire was applied to 408 healthy women participants. Results: The frequency of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome were 13.2%, and 14.5%, respectively. The presence of lifetime psychiatric diagnosis, positive family history of psychiatric illness, suicide attempts, and anxious temperament were significantly higher in the premenstrual dysphoric disorder group. Cyclothymic and anxious temperaments had a positive predictive effect on the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool Section A scores. Discussion: Our findings show a possible relationship between anxious and cyclothymic temperament traits and premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptom severity. Premenstrual symptoms may be more severe in women with cyclothymic and anxious temperament features. However, large-scale studies in which the diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder is determined by clinical interview are needed for this judgment.