Prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder among school-going adolescent girls

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome which has a significant negative impact on the various domains of life of adolescent girls. AIM: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of PMDD in adolescent girls studying in classes 7(th)–10(th) and ascertain the level of stress, anxiety, and depression among them. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three all-girls schools in Chandigarh (two – government and one – private) after taking necessary permissions. Participants were evaluated on a self-rated questionnaire which included the PMDD scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. RESULTS: A total of 397 girls participated in the study. The mean age of respondents was 14.34 (standard deviation [SD]: 1.17; range: 11–20) years, with most (44%) studying in class 10(th). The mean age of attaining menarche was 12.54 (SD: 0.92; range: 10–15) years. The prevalence of PMDD was found to be 4.8% (n = 19). Majority of the respondents reported moderate levels of perceived stress (62%). A positive correlation was seen between the severity of PMDD, age, levels of perceived stress, severity of depression, and anxiety in the respondents. CONCLUSION: Nearly 5% of adolescent girls suffer from PMDD, with higher prevalence among those with depression, GAD, and higher perceived stress. Thus, there is a need to screen adolescent females for PMDD at the earliest and institute intervention to minimize its negative impact.