Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Clinical nuances and research gaps

The Women’s Health Seminar Series features multidisciplinary research on women’s health. The goal of the series is to provide multidisciplinary training and mentorship to faculty, students, and community members across a broad range of women’s health research topics. Speakers will present their research regarding the biological, psychological, behavioural, economic and social impacts on women’s health outcomes through a 45 minute talk and engage with attendees in an interactive 15 minute question and answer period. The series is open to anyone interested in attending!

Presenter: Dr. Benicio Frey, Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University

Talk Summary: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a prevalent and pervasive mental health disorder that can be fully treated with proper management. Its transient, cyclic nature, and its high rates of comorbid conditions (e.g., mood, anxiety, trauma-related disorders) can make its accurate diagnosis often challenging for inexperienced clinicians. A deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind hormone-related sensitivity, as well as how life stress can moderate hormone-related stress response may assist in the choice of treatment. In this talk, we will provide an update on recent clinical, mechanistic and treatment studies of PMDD and other related premenstrual disorders, including some of the main gaps for future research in this developing area.