Prevalence and Severity of Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder among Physicians in Port Said City

Abstract

Background: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is related to high suicide and accident rates, employment and school absentee rates, poor academic performance, and acute psychiatric problems, it is one of the factors that make women more susceptible than men to depression. Child disturbance and family violence in the families of patients with PMS were reported, so PMS may affect not only the individual but also her family and the community. Aim: To improve the quality of life of physicians regarding premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Subjects and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study and was carried out at primary health care centers and hospitals in Port Said city: 20 Primary health care centers were randomly selected from 32 centers under health insurance coverage and 6 hospitals were randomly selected from 8 hospitals under health insurance coverage. PHC centers and hospital physicians have been selected to meet the inclusion criteria, they have been assessed by 2 self-administered questionnaires: A structured questionnaire tool and Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool. Results: This study found that (22.7%) of physicians were diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and (58.7%) had "Moderate to Severe PMS", while (18.6%) had "No PMS/PMDD", The most reported symptom was Decreased interest in social activities (52.3%) followed by Fatigue/ lack of energy (50.0%) and feeling overwhelmed or out of control (50.6%). Conclusions: There is a high Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and Premenstrual dysphoric disorder among physicians in Port Said City. Premenstrual symptoms screening tool (PSST) gives good descriptive data which could help to improve the quality of life of female physicians.