Quality of Life and Depression in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and Premenstrual Syndrome Among College Students

Abstract

The symptoms before a woman’s period, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) involve physical and emotional aspects. PMS and PMDD differ in symptom severity. Thus, the psychological effects are considerable and affect the individual’s physical state. The present study aims to investigate the quality of life and depression among college students with PMS and PMDD. Forty clinically diagnosed females with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and 40 females with Premenstrual syndromes were sampled through purposive sampling method, the age range of 16 to 21 (Mean age 18.37, SD 1.63) years from Kapurthala, Punjab.  WHO Quality of Life -BREF Hindi and Beck Depression Inventory-II were individually administered to both groups. The statistical analysis of descriptive and t-tests revealed that premenstrual dysphoric disorder exhibits a significantly low level of quality of life as compared to premenstrual syndrome. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder revealed significantly higher levels of depression as compared to premenstrual syndrome. The significant finding of the study is that adolescents with Premenstrual dysphoric disorder suffer from poor quality of life and Well-being. Study supporting female adolescents, especially those with severe Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, can enhance their quality of life and well-being through counseling, education, and lifestyle changes.