KUMJ | VOL. 21 | NO. 1 | ISSUE 81 | JANUARY - MARCH, 2023
Pre-menstrual Syndrome and Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder in Female Medical Students of Nepal
Mahat A, Dhungana R, Amatya A
Abstract: Background
Pre-menstrual Syndrome and Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder can have negative
impact on medical students and remains mostly underdiagnosed. Different treatment
modalities like medications (doctor-prescribed or self-medicated), and alternative
therapies are used by students to cope with pre-menstrual symptoms.
Objective
To estimate the prevalence and severity of Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual
Dysphoric Disorder among medical students in Nepal along with its impact in their
quality of life, their health seeking behavior and treatment modalities used to cope
with these disorders.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted among female medical students studying
MBBS in various medical colleges in Nepal using a self-administered questionnaire
from September 2020 to March 2021.
Result
The prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
among female medical students in Nepal was 64% and 36.3% respectively as per
this study. Among the areas impacted by premenstrual symptoms, concentration
in class was the most affected (68.1%), followed by distress (64.6%). Only 7.3% of
the responding participants sought medical consultation for their symptoms. Among
those who suffered from at least one symptom for any length of time, 34.8% of
participants reported of using at least one medication (either prescribed or selfmedication).
Similarly,
alternative
remedies
were
used by
44.4% of the participants.
Conclusion
Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder were found to be
common in female medical students of Nepal. However, very few students sought
medical consultation despite a significant impact in their academic and other
activities. Self-medication and traditional therapies were common modalities used
for treatment of premenstrual symptoms.
Keyword : Complementary therapies, Premenstrual syndrome, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, Self medication
