A Questionnaire Study on the Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, and Related Coping Mechanisms among Female Medical Students

Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) afflicts 20-50% of all women of reproductive age, whereas premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affects only 3-7% of women in this group. However, there has been little research regarding PMS/PMDD and associated coping methods in Japan since the recognition of this condition 10 years ago. In the current study, we examined existing knowledge about both PMS and PMDD, as well as their prevalence, among medical students at Tokyo Women's Medical University. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire study. We presented the questionnaire to 108 third-year and 65 sixth-year students in the medical department. The questionnaire was compiled, in part, with reference to portions of the diagnostic basic standard in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR). Results: Complete questionnaires were returned by 147 students, with an 84.9% return rate. Thirteen students (8.8%) met the diagnostic standard for PMDD and 37 (25.2%) met the diagnostic standard for PMS. Eleven students (7.5%) had no symptoms either before or during their periods. Respondents who received pharmacological treatment accounted for 27.1% of the third-year students and 45.2% of the sixth-year students. In addition, respondents who had received non-pharmacological treatment accounted for 22.4% of the third-year and 45.2% of the sixth-year students. Conclusion: Results from this study highlight the need for further guidance and self-care education regarding menstruation-related conditions and symptoms.