--- title: Why is PMDD so often underdiagnosed and what needs to change? description: PMDD is common but often missed because of limited awareness, healthcare research bias toward men, and cultural stigma around menstruation. Better education, url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/unveiling-the-burden-of-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-a-narrative-review-to-2024/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Why is PMDD so often underdiagnosed and what needs to change? Survey study, 2024 # Why is PMDD so often underdiagnosed and what needs to change? PMDD is common but often missed because of limited awareness, healthcare research bias toward men, and cultural stigma around menstruation. Better education, screening, and research are needed, especially in lower-income countries. Early or limited evidence Review article discussing PMDD in general ## What they did Narrative review examining the burden of PMDD across multiple dimensions including prevalence, diagnosis delays, mental health impacts, cultural factors, healthcare system barriers, and disparities in access to care. ## What they found PMDD affects a significant portion of women of reproductive age but is often underdiagnosed due to limited understanding and awareness. PMDD increases the risk of suicide attempts and negatively impacts quality of life. There are economic costs from absenteeism and healthcare use. Research bias toward male subjects and lack of gender perspective in healthcare contribute to knowledge gaps. The situation may be worse in Latin America due to lack of recent data and potentially higher prevalence from socioeconomic factors. ## What it means for you PMDD is a common condition that is not properly recognized or treated, which harms women's health. This is a literature review summarizing existing knowledge, not a new research study, so it does not provide original numerical data on outcomes. ## About the study Original title Unveiling the burden of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a narrative review to call for gender perspective and intersectional approaches Authors Islas-Preciado D, Ramos-Lira L, Estrada-Camarena E Journal Frontiers in psychiatry Year 2024 Study design Survey study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1458114](https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1458114) Original abstract The present narrative review discusses the burden of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and highlights the lack of awareness by analyzing the following key points: -Prevalence and Diagnosis: PMDD affects a significant portion of women during their reproductive years, but diagnosis is often delayed due to limited understanding and awareness. -Mental Health Burden: PMDD increases the risk of suicide attempts and negatively impacts quality of life. There are also economic costs associated with absenteeism and healthcare use. -Cultural and Gender Perspectives: Societal stigma surrounding menstruation and mental health likely contributes to underdiagnosis. -Lack of Sex and Gender Perspective in the Healthcare System: Research bias towards male subjects and historical neglect of women's health issues contribute to limited knowledge about PMDD. -Non-Intersectional Approaches: Disparities in access to healthcare and the unique experiences of women further complicate PMDD diagnosis and treatment. -Vicious Cycle: The lack of research and awareness creates a vicious cycle where PMDD remains misunderstood and inaccurately treated. Finally, it emphasizes the need for increased awareness, education, and research on PMDD, particularly with a gendered and intersectional optic. The situation in Latin America is presented as a particular concern due to a lack of recent data and potentially higher prevalence due to socioeconomic factors. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)[Stigma, attitudes and culture](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-stigma-culture/)[Economic burden](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-economic-burden/) 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 Review, 2026 How much do PMS and menstrual disorders affect women's work, school, and quality of life? Survey study, 2002 What is the economic and work impact of premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Cohort study, 2002 Does PMDD cause more healthcare costs and work loss than other premenstrual symptoms? Study, 2026 How does PMDD affect women's work and careers? Study, 2024 How does PMDD affect women's daily lives? Randomised trial, 2023 What does research show about PMDD neurochemistry? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗