Prevalence of clinical manifestations of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder in students of Bandar Abbas Medical University

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of clinical
manifestations of PMS and its severe from, PMDD by considering somatic and
mood symptoms during two consecutive menstrual cycles in students of Bandar
Abbas Medical University at 2000.
Methods: We conducted a prospective randomized descriptive study on 302 students
by preparing and distributing questionnaires among students which included variables
related to somatic and mood symptoms during one week before and three days after
beginning of menstrual cycle for two consecutive menstrual cycles.
Results: During two menstrual cycles about 166 students (54.9%) had PMS
according to ICD-10 criteria and 13 students (4.3%) had PMDD according to
DSM-IV criteria. The most prevalence of PMS was in age of 20-24 years old
(mean age 22.4) (35.8%, P<0.005). There were significant differences
according to age groups (P<0.005). The most prevalent mood symptoms in late
luteal phase of cases with PMS and PMDD were: depression (43.5% and
92.3%), considerable affect lability 32.7% and 54.5%) and irritability (28.4%
and 69.2%) respectively. Anhedonia (69.2% and 86.1%) and decreased
efficiency (40.5% and 71.5%) had most intervention with personal and social
functions in affected cases. The most prevalent somatic manifestations were pain
(71.5% and 92.3%), flatulence (71.5% and 88.5%) and acne (58.2% and
68.2%), respectively.
Conclusion: Decreased efficiency and anhedonia are the most significant problems
that can affect work quality of PMS and actually PMDD patients. Early treatment
and essential educations can prevent further personal and social dysfunction.