Evaluation of dsyfunctional attitudes, distress and discomfort tolerance levels in patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Abstract

Objective: In this research article, we investigated the possible effects of premenstrual dysphoric disorder on distress and discomfort tolerance levels as well as dysfunctional attitudes on individuals with this disorder. Method: In our study, 218 people were interviewed in total. People who could possibly have PMDD according to Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) were monitored for 8 weeks and 31 people were diagnosed with PMDD. People without PMDD and having under threshold symptoms for PMDD according to PSST who have matching age and BMI were also included in the study. Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), Discomfort Intolerance Scale (DIS), Dysfunctional Attitude Scaleshort forms (DAS-sf) were filled for each sample. Results: DTS self-efficacy scores were found to be higher in group without PMDD than the groups with PMDD and having under threshold symptoms. DAS-total score was found to be higher in group with PMDD than the groups without PMDD group and having under threshold symptoms group. Discomfort avoidance subscale score of distress tolerance scale was found to be higher compared to participants without PMDD and participants having below threshold symptoms. Discussion: Women with PMDD may benefit from preventive treatment modalities that minimize discomfort and avoidance behaviours and facilitate their coping with negative bodily sensations of premenstrual syndrome and prevent the development of dysfunctional attitudes toward these bodily and mental disturbing sensations.