Interview study, 2026
What is healthcare like for women with PMDD in Australia?
Most women see many doctors before getting diagnosed, more than half experience medical gaslighting and misdiagnosis, and only 19% receive the proper diagnostic tests. Getting a correct diagnosis helps women feel less confused about themselves.
What they did
Mixed-methods study combining an online survey of 267 adults who sought healthcare for PMDD in Australia and interviews with 11 of them. They used statistics to analyze the survey responses and thematic analysis for the interviews.
What they found
Survey participants consulted an average of 5.1 different health professionals. 51% of these professionals had poor PMDD awareness. 74% first consulted a GP. 54% of participants experienced medical gaslighting and 56% were misdiagnosed with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or personality disorder. Only 19% received diagnostic methods consistent with DSM-5 recommendations. Interview participants reported that healthcare providers minimized their symptoms and dismissed their concerns. GPs were rated worse than other health professional types. Participants said getting a diagnosis improved their ability to cope and their self-compassion.
What it means for you
Australian women face healthcare barriers similar to those in other countries. Most doctors don't know enough about PMDD, leading to dismissal and misdiagnosis. GPs need better training and women need clearer pathways to specialists. The positive side is that women who finally get a correct diagnosis feel much better understood.
267
survey participants
5.1
average number of health professionals consulted
54%
experienced medical gaslighting
About the study
- Original title
- Patient Perspectives of Healthcare for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in Australia: A Mixed-Methods Study
- Authors
- Border G, Miller YD
- Journal
- Health services insights
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Interview study
- Participants
- 267
- What was tested
- None, study of healthcare experiences
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1177/11786329251409981
Topics
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