Exploring diagnosis and treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in the U.S. healthcare system: a qualitative investigation.
BMC Womens Health
; 23(1): 272, 2023 05 17.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37198676
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a premenstrual condition that affects 3-8% of the US population, yet knowledge on treatment and consistent diagnostic testing is lacking. While research concerning the epidemiology and pharmaceutical treatments for this condition has increased, there is a lack of qualitative studies on the experiences of patients who live with this condition. The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic and treatment experiences of PMDD patients in the U.S. healthcare system and identify barriers to diagnosis and treatment.METHODS:
This study uses a feminist framework with qualitative phenomenological methods. We recruited participants who identified as having PMDD, regardless of official diagnosis, through online forums within the U.S. PMDD community. The study conducted 32 in depth interviews with participants on their experiences with PMDD diagnosis and treatment. Thematic analysis methods revealed key barriers within the diagnostic and care process including patient, provider, and societal barriers.RESULTS:
This study presents a PMDD Care Continuum that represents the timeline of participant experiences beginning from symptom onset towards official diagnosis, treatments, and ongoing management of the condition. Participant experiences demonstrated that much of the diagnostic and treatment processes were burdened on the patient, and that successful navigation within the healthcare system was dependent on high levels of self-advocacy.CONCLUSIONS:
This was the first study to describe the qualitative experiences of patients who identified as having PMDD in the U.S. Further research is needed to refine and operationalize diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines for PMDD.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Síndrome Pré-Menstrual
/
Transtorno Disfórico Pré-Menstrual
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Guideline
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Female
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
BMC Womens Health
Assunto da revista:
SAUDE DA MULHER
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos