Skip to content

Survey study, 2003

How common is PMDD in women in Bosnia and Herzegovina and what are the most common symptoms?

52% of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina met diagnostic criteria for PMDD. The most common symptoms were depressed mood (68%) and breast swelling or weight gain (81.8%).

Early or limited evidence 181 women aged 15-52 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including adolescents and adults

What they did

Cross-sectional study of 181 women aged 15-52 in Bosnia and Herzegovina with varying backgrounds (married, single, adolescent, adult). Researchers conducted structured interviews using DSM-IV diagnostic criteria to identify PMDD and premenstrual symptoms.

What they found

52% of women met DSM-IV criteria for PMDD (23.4% of adolescents, 76.6% of adults). The most common physical symptoms were breast swelling, weight gain, muscle pain, and arm and leg swelling (81.8%), appetite changes (63.5%), sleep problems (55%), and headaches (47%). The most common psychological symptoms were depressed mood (68%), fatigue and lack of energy (53.6%), anger and social withdrawal (49.7%), anxiety (49%), and concentration and memory problems (40.7%). Pain was significantly more common in adolescents.

What it means for you

More than half of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina met criteria for PMDD, which appears high. PMDD causes both physical and emotional symptoms that affect daily life. Many women didn't correctly identify their menstrual cycle length, suggesting some may have been misdiagnosed. Results are specific to this country.

181

women in study

52%

met PMDD diagnostic criteria

68%

reported depressed mood

About the study

Original title
[Psychological disorders in women in Bosnia and Herzegovina associated with menstruation]
Authors
Sinanović O, Subasić A, Bacaj D
Journal
Medicinski arhiv
Year
2003
Study design
Survey study
Participants
181
What was tested
No intervention; diagnostic interviews for PMDD

Topics