Awareness of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, attitudes toward premenstrual symptoms, and probability of suspected premenstrual dysphoric disorder among Japanese university students.

AIM: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) interferes with patients' work, school, social activities, or relationships with others. For female students with PMDD to be active in society, both the patients and the surrounding population should be familiar with PMDD, be positive for treatment, and be aware that its disruptions can negatively impact society. Hence, this study aimed to determine PMDD awareness and attitudes toward premenstrual symptoms among male and female university students in Japan and to investigate the probability of suspected PMDD.

METHODS: Through a survey, we asked all participants about their awareness of PMDD and their attitudes toward premenstrual symptoms. Female participants were also screened for premenstrual symptoms using the Premenstrual Symptoms Questionnaire (PSQ). Those who met certain criteria were classified into the "PMDD" group.

RESULTS: A total of 1846 students (949 females, 892 males, and 5 unspecified) completed the survey on awareness and attitude. Only 20.6% of them were familiar with PMDD. Some believed that premenstrual symptoms should be endured. Only 36.2% had the idea that the disruptions caused by these symptoms were a loss to society. The PSQ was completed by 920 females. We found that 3.7% were classified into the "PMDD" group. Some participants in the "PMDD" group were not familiar with PMDD, while some perceived that premenstrual symptoms should be endured.

CONCLUSION: Despite having suspected PMDD, a certain percentage of women remain unaware of their condition and endure their symptoms. PMDD awareness through education is crucial to achieving an active life for females of menstruating age.