Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder among Jordanian women

The prevalence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) among Jordanian women were 80.2% and 10.2% respectively; which is higher than most published literature. The most severe symptoms of PMS and PMDD were abdominal cramp, lower back pain and breast pain. Taking analgesics was the most frequently used method to alleviate the symptoms of PMS and PMDD. High stress levels affected the symptoms of PMS and PMDD negatively; therefore, controlling stress level will reduce the severity of symptoms. AbstractThe objectives of this study were to detect the prevalence, severity and factors associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) among Jordanian women, and to identify the most common self-treatment strategies used by women to alleviate the symptoms associated with PMS and/or PMDD. Data were collected from 254 women studying or working at one of the largest Jordanian governmental university using Shortened Premenstrual Assessment Form (SPAF), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition-Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) research criteria for diagnosis of PMDD. The findings indicated that the prevalence of PMS and PMDD were 80.2%, 10.2% respectively. Abdominal cramp, lower back pain and breast pain were reported to be the most severe symptoms associated with PMS and PMDD. Significant correlations were found between severity of premenstrual symptoms and perceived stress level, age, body mass index, marital status, perception of health in general and absent from work. The most frequently reported self-treatment strategies used by women to alleviate PMS and PMDD symptoms were: taking analgesics, increasing hot fluids intake, wearing heavy and warm clothes, and lying down on the abdomen. Understanding the prevalence, severity and self-treatment strategies for women experiencing PMS and PMDD symptoms help in improving women's quality of life and decrease their suffering from these symptoms.