Finally, PMDD science from a feminist perspective

Written By Emily Blout

Rubtsova Chan and C.J. Clark wrote the first qualitative study of PMDD from a feminist perspective.

Some interesting findings:

  • It takes an average of 20 years for women to be accurately diagnosed and treated for PMDD.

  • Almost all 32 participants experienced suicidal ideation as a part of their monthly PMDD symptoms.

  • Most participants were misdiagnosed with bipolar or borderline personality disorder.

  • Menstrual stigma limited women from discussing their symptoms.

  • Women’s suffering was diminished or not taken seriously unless their symptoms impacted their fertility.

READ THE STUDY: Chan K, Rubtsova AA, Clark CJ.Exploring diagnosis and treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in the U.S. healthcare system: a qualitative investigation. BMC Womens Health. 2023 May 17;23(1):272. doi: 10.1186/s12905-023-02334-y. PMID: 37198676; PMCID: PMC10193729.

Emily Blout
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