A Study on the Effect of Premenstrual Syndrome on Interpersonal Relationships and Quality of Life

Original Research Article Background: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is characterised by various psychological and physical symptoms on a continnum of severity. About 85% women experience mild symptoms, moderate to severe symptoms are seen in 2025% women, and about 5% women meet the criteria of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). PMS often leads to worsening of daily functioning and causes problems in interpersonal relationships. The aim of our study is to find out the relationship between the severity of PMS with interpersonal problems and quality of life. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study among consenting medical and paramedical students, aged 18-35 years, of a tertiary care general hospital. Diagnosis of PMS was done by ICD-10 criteria (N94.3). Severity of symptoms was assessed using Premenstual Syndrome Questionnaire. Interpersonal relationships were studied using Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-Short Circumplex Scale. Quality of life was assessed using World Health Organisation-Quality of Life Abbreviated Scale. Brief history was taken to rule out other major psychiatric illnesses. Results: There is significant (P-value < 0.05) positive correlation between severity of PMS symptoms and interpersonal problems; between severity of PMS symptoms with cold, non-assertive and intrusive traits; anxiety during PMS with overly-nurturant traits; depression during PMS with cold traits; hormonal domain in PMS with intrusive trait. During menses, there is significant positive correlation with increase in dominating trait. Anxiety in PMS with the physical health domain of QoL; depression and hormonal domains of PMS with social relationships domain of QoL had significant negative correlation. Conclusion: In our study, we found significant relationship between the severity of symptoms with interpersonal problems and quality of life of women suffering from premenstrual syndrome.