Episode 11: PMDD - the hidden link between hormones and mental health

In this episode of the Piece of Mind podcast, we're joined by Becci Smart and Chloe Apsey to discuss the reality of living with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and the research currently taking place at the NCMH that's looking to learn more to improve diagnosis and treatment.

PMDD is a mood disorder that is estimated to affect around 5% of women and people who have periods. That’s around 80,000 people in the UK. During the week before the onset of bleeding (known as the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle), these people with PMDD experience severe mood and emotional changes including anxiety and low mood, a decreased interest in their usual activities, difficulties concentrating and more. These symptoms improve within a few days after menstrual bleeding (the period). To be diagnosed with PMDD, these symptoms need to be associated with extreme distress and interfere with ‘everyday’ functioning.

To learn more about the NCMH PreDDICT study looking into PMDD, visit https://www.ncmh.info/pmdd

Tools and organisations mentioned in this episode

• IAPMD: https://iapmd.org/
• Self-screening tool: https://iapmd.org/self-screen
• Symptom tracking tool: https://iapmd.org/symptom-tracker

When referring to the experiences of women throughout this episode and within our research we acknowledge the experiences of AFAB (assigned female at birth) and non-binary individuals and encourage their participation in our research. Further guidance can be found at: https://iapmd.org/transgender-pmdd

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