UNITED KINGDOM — Researchers at the University of the West of Scotland have developed a suicide prevention tool to help clinicians identify signs of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in women, with the model now available for use. The next stage of the research is to measure the tool's effectiveness with the aim of rolling it out across the NHS.

The research has been led by Dr Lynsay Matthews of the University of the West of Scotland. "For so long, women have lived with this condition and not had any idea what could be causing it," Matthews said. "Even though the menstrual cycle plays such a huge part in a woman's health, it is often not brought up in doctors' consultation rooms."

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a mental health disorder that causes severe psychological and sometimes physical symptoms. It occurs during the one to two weeks leading up to a period, known as the luteal phase, and is similar to premenstrual syndrome but more severe. The condition can trigger severe anxiety, depression and intense psychological distress, while premenstrual syndrome may cause tiredness, irritability and bloating. Physical symptoms can include fatigue, headaches and joint pain, and a diagnosis requires at least one mood-related symptom.

The disorder can affect women at any point in their lives but often coincides with puberty, having a baby, or going through the menopause. According to the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders, more than one million women in the UK may be affected, but only a fraction have received a diagnosis. Some studies suggest that individuals with the condition are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and attempt to take their own life than the general population.

GP Dr Helen Wall said the clinical picture is often acute. "Many women with PMDD will present when they are in crisis, and they have nowhere else to turn." she said. "We have to listen to women's stories and understand what is happening in the context of their hormones." GP appointments are limited to 10 to 15 minutes, which can make it difficult to obtain a full patient history.

Annika Waheed has had premenstrual dysphoric disorder for more than eight years and experiences suicidal thoughts during the two weeks before her period each month, regaining her ability to function once her period starts. She also experiences physical symptoms during her luteal phase, including heart palpitations, severe backache and bloating. "It is like the Grim Reaper coming for us every month. You can feel it, and there is nothing you can do about it." Waheed said. "How can my hormones do this to me?" She also said: "PMS can be really hard."

Waheed's period began the morning after she attempted suicide by overdose. "Did I really do that?" she said. More than 230 million #PMDD posts have been viewed on TikTok, reflecting the extent to which women discuss the condition online.