Vol. 1, Issue 10 (2012)

Background and Objective: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Postpartum Depression (PPD) are distinct mood disorders occurring at different reproductive stages, but both are influenced by hormonal fluctuations and share common affective symptoms. Despite increasing awareness of each condition independently, the co-occurrence and prevalence of PMDD in women already diagnosed with PPD remains underexplored. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of PMDD among women diagnosed with PPD attending a tertiary care hospital and to evaluate clinical associations between the two disorders.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over a period of 12 months at a tertiary care center. This study was conducted at the department of Psychiatry, Annapoorna Medical College and Hospital, Kombadipatty, Veerapandi Union, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India from August 2011 to July 2012. A total of 50 postpartum women, aged between 20 and 40 years, diagnosed with postpartum depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), were screened for PMDD using the DSM-5 criteria and Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) over two consecutive menstrual cycles.

Results: Out of the 50 women with PPD, 18 (36%) were diagnosed with PMDD. The most frequently reported PMDD symptoms included irritability (83%), mood swings (72%), and sleep disturbances (67%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between higher EPDS scores and PMDD diagnosis (p< 0.05). Women with prior history of mood disorders or irregular menstrual history had a higher risk of co-occurrence. No significant association was found between PMDD and age, parity, or socioeconomic status.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates a notable prevalence of PMDD (36%) among women suffering from postpartum depression, suggesting a possible hormonal and psychological linkage between the two disorders. Routine screening for PMDD in women with PPD may help in early diagnosis and integrated management of mood symptoms, thus improving overall maternal mental health and quality of life.