---
title: What is PMDD and how common is it? | Niyora
description: PMDD is a serious form of premenstrual distress affecting 1.8 to 5.8 percent of women who menstruate. It is officially recognized as a psychiatric condition,
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/diagnosis-etiology-and-treatment-of-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-2018/
---

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- What is PMDD and how common is it?

Survey study, 2018

# What is PMDD and how common is it?

PMDD is a serious form of premenstrual distress affecting 1.8 to 5.8 percent of women who menstruate. It is officially recognized as a psychiatric condition, though the exact cause is still being researched.

 Early or limited evidence

Women who menstruate, with emphasis on those with or at risk for PMDD

## What they did

Reviewed how PMDD is diagnosed, what might cause it, how it differs from other conditions, and what treatments are available.

## What they found

PMDD has clear diagnostic criteria and official recognition as a psychiatric condition. Prevalence ranges from 1.8 to 5.8 percent of women who menstruate. The exact cause is not yet fully understood. PMDD is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.

## What it means for you

If you experience severe premenstrual distress, ask your doctor whether it might be PMDD, since it is often missed. Understanding what causes PMDD could lead to better treatments.

1.8 to 5.8

percent of women who menstruate with PMDD

## About the study

Original title Diagnosis, Etiology, and Treatment of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Authors Edwin R. Raffi, Marlene P. Freeman Year 2018 Study design Survey study What was tested None Read the paper [doi.org/10.2310/psych.13018](https://doi.org/10.2310/psych.13018)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Premenstrual exacerbation (PME)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pme/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Systematic review, 2021

Are there hormone changes that could explain PMDD or depression in women?

Randomised trial, 2000

How should PMDD be diagnosed and treated?

Study, 2026

Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition?

Study, 2026

What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Systematic review, 2022

Does having PMDD increase the risk of depression during pregnancy or after birth?

Review, 2012

Is depression linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause?

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