PMDD RESEARCH
We research Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
We are interested in the impact PMDD has on mental health, suicidal behaviour, education, employment, disordered eating, relationships, parenting, risk taking behaviours and more
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Contact: Email us at lynsay.matthews@uws.ac.uk and/or jr316@st-andrews.ac.uk
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INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
For up to date information and support for PMDD please visit the
International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD)
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OUR CURRENT PROJECTS
THE UK PMDD RESEARCH AGENDA
We worked with groups of stakeholders to identify research priorities for PMDD in the UK (funded by ESRC and Research England).
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Five key research priorities were identified. See the full research agenda here.
DESIGNING A ROADMAP FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION IN PMDD
We will be working with people involved in emergency mental health crisis support, and suicide prevention researchers to create a roadmap for suicide prevention in PMDD.
See our study protocol here.
EATING BEHAVIOURS: WHAT ARE THE EXPERIENCES OF PEOPLE WITH PMDD
Dr Relindis Nkeng Ebesoh interviewed people with PMDD about their eating behaviours.
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We found that people with PMDD display disordered eating similar to those of eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and anorexia nervosa. Knowing this is important for developing the right type of support.
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Read a preprint of Relindis's findings here.
PMDD AND EATING BEHAVIOURS: WHAT DOES THE EVIDENCE SAY?
Masters student, Myfanwy Miranda, completed a systematic review of all studies that reported on PMDD and eating behaviours.
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We found that a diagnosis of PMDD is consistently associated with disordered eating. Our review found data suggesting possible mechanims for PMDD's impact on eating.
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We hope to publish Myfanwy's results soon!
EXPLORING WELFARE BENEFITS FOR PMDD: A SOCIO-LEGAL FOCUS
We worked with sociolegal researcher, Mhairi Campbell (University of the West of Scotland), to explore how people with PMDD navigate the UK welfare benefit system.
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We found that the processes for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Adult Diability Payment (ADP) lacked trauma-informed approaches. This left people at more risk of harm when applying for support.
Click here to read about our other key findings. ​
PMDD AND PARENTING
This study explores the impact of PMDD on parenting and motherhood. It also explores how PMDD potentially impacts the early years of child development.
Our team includes the expertise of researchers from the University of the West of Scotland, including Dr Catriona Fallow, Dr Conny Gollek, Dr Joanne Ingram and Dr Eileen Harkess-Murphy.
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Our initial findings have been presented as artwork. We are analysing the rest of our data and will share more soon.
We will be doing an online survey for this study in the near future. If you'd like to take part click here.
PMDD and PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
We are working alongside Dr Justine Anthony (University of Leicester) to explore if and how PMDD impacts on physical activity.
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We're interested to know what kind of support might be required to help people with PMDD throughout their menstrual cycle.
Thank you to everyone who completed our online survey. We are now analysing the data!
HORMONAL TRIGGER EVENTS FOR PMDD
We're delighted to announce we won funding from Medical Research Scotland to explore hormonal trigger events for PMDD.
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We spoke with 42 participants over 7 focus groups. We are currenlty analysing the data and will share more soon.
