Premenstrual dysphoric disorder-an undervalued diagnosis? A cross-sectional study in Hungarian women Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
OverviewPremenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects roughly 3–9% of women of reproductive age and manifests as severe mood, behavioral, and physical symptoms tightly linked to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, distinguishing it from milder premenstrual syndrome (PMS).[1][2] Central to PMDD’s pathophysiology is an altered sensitivity of the central nervous system to normal fluctuations of […]
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of probable premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) among Hungarian women and examined the relationship between probable PMDD, anxio-depressive symptom severity, and overall well-being. The researchers aimed to validate a retrospective DSM-5-based PMDD screening tool in this population and explore psychological symptom patterns related to PMDD, using standardized questionnaires for depression, anxiety, and well-being.
Who was studied?
The study included 112 women of reproductive age from Hungary with regular menstrual cycles who were not using hormonal contraceptives and had no significant neurological, psychiatric, endocrine, or gynecological disorders. The participants were divided into two groups based on PMDD screening results: a probable PMDD group (n=67) and a non-PMDD group (n=45). They completed validated questionnaires measuring probable PMDD symptoms, anxio-depressive severity, and subjective well-being.
What were the most important findings?
The study revealed a surprisingly high prevalence of probable PMDD at nearly 60%, exceeding international estimates, which the authors attribute partly to retrospective screening limitations and recruitment bias. Women with probable PMDD reported significantly greater depressive and anxiety symptoms and lower well-being than controls, regardless of menstrual cycle phase. Logistic regression confirmed that higher anxiety and depression scores predicted probable PMDD diagnosis. The findings corroborate prior evidence that PMDD involves substantial psychological distress that impacts life quality. Notably, anxiety symptom severity did not vary significantly across cycle phases, suggesting persistent affective symptoms. These results highlight the challenges of accurate PMDD diagnosis, especially given the burden of prospective symptom tracking, and underscore the need for tailored psychological assessment and treatment strategies.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
This study emphasizes that probable PMDD is a prevalent and underrecognized condition that severely affects women’s mental health and well-being, even beyond the premenstrual phase. It highlights the utility and limitations of retrospective screening tools in estimating PMDD prevalence and calls for improved diagnostic protocols that balance accuracy with practicality. The findings advocate for personalized mental health support and further research to refine diagnostic tools and treatment approaches tailored to the needs of women with PMDD, especially in underrepresented populations.