Women's experiences of receiving a diagnosis of PMDD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Women's experiences of receiving a diagnosis of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A qualitative study
IRAS ID
234227
Contact name
Anja Wittkowski
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a complex condition where women suffer extreme psychological reactions in response to hormone changes. It is difficult to tell if someone has PMDD because there is currently no medical test to identify it. This can confuse doctors and sometimes means that women do not get the right diagnosis.
This study will ask women to share their stories. We will explore how these women experienced their path to diagnosis, giving consideration to what may have helped or hindered this process. We will also ask about the impact of receiving this diagnosis for women on their sense of self and on the perceptions held by others.
We will speak to up to 20 women who have been diagnosed with PMDD. Interviews will take place at a location convenient to each woman, such as their home, local GP surgery, hospital or university. Interviews will last for around 1 hour, but will depend on how much each woman wants to say.
We will ask the women to tell their story of reaching diagnosis, in order to develop a greater understanding of their experiences. The interviews will make sure that the women can give as much information as they want. All interviews will be audio recorded, then typed up. The researcher will then look at the answers and see if there are similar things that the women said.
These results will be shared with both medical professionals and the general public so that they will know more about what it helpful in successfully diagnosing PMDD.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0007
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jan 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion