A new tool to support the identification and prevention of suicide caused by Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a severe hormone-based mood condition, has been developed by researchers at UWS. 

 

One in three people with PMDD attempt suicide. The condition causes debilitating symptoms in the latter half of the menstrual cycle – the luteal phase – impacting all aspects of life, with some people requiring support for daily living. 

 

PMDD affects around 1,000,000 women and people who menstruate in the UK, with one in two self-harming and most having suicidal thoughts.

 

Launched during PMDD Awareness Month, this pioneering, research-informed suicide prevention model is designed to equip healthcare and support professionals in the UK with the skills and knowledge needed to identify risk and guide appropriate, timely interventions when someone may be at risk of suicide.

 

The development of the suicide model follows significant research in the area, which examined the link between PMDD and suicide in more detail, as well as exploring the gaps in awareness and support, and challenges and opportunities for assessment of the condition. 

 

The academic leading the research and development of the PMDD-related suicide model is Dr Lynsay Matthews, Trustee of the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders UK (IAPMD UK) – a new charity focused on advancing PMDD research in the UK.

 

Dr Lynsay Matthews, women’s health expert and Lecturer in Public Health at UWS, said: “PMDD is a serious and often misunderstood condition. It has a profound impact on mental health, with many people falling into mental health crisis and experiencing self-harm and suicidality. Despite its severity, many people continue to go undiagnosed or unsupported. This new model is an important milestone, designed to support health professionals recognise patterns of risk that are often missed, particularly the cyclical nature of symptoms across the menstrual cycle. By providing a clearer framework for assessment and intervention, we hope it will improve management of PMDD crises and ultimately save lives.”

 

PMDD is a serious and often misunderstood condition. It has a profound impact on mental health, with many people falling into mental health crisis and experiencing self-harm and suicidality. Despite its severity, many people continue to go undiagnosed or unsupported. This new model is an important milestone, designed to support health professionals recognise patterns of risk that are often missed, particularly the cyclical nature of symptoms across the menstrual cycle.

Dr Lynsay Matthews at UWS, who has developed the tool 

The PMDD suicide prevention model is based on an earlier model developed by Professor Rory O'Connor at the University of Glasgow. Professor O’Conner is a leading global researcher in suicidal behaviour, recognised for developing the Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) model of suicidal behaviour. The IMV model explains the psychological processes leading to suicide and is widely utilised in research and prevention strategies.

 

Discussing Lynsay and her colleagues’ applied model for PMDD, Professor Rory O’Connor, said: “Dr Lynsay Matthews’ work is an important and novel application of our model for understanding suicide risk in the context of PMDD. This new adaptation of the IMV model recognises the distinct and cyclical nature of risk associated with hormone-related conditions such as PMDD. Crucially, it provides a practical tool that can support clinicians and frontline professionals to better understand and respond to those at risk.”

 

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, commented: “We are incredibly proud of Lynsay and her team for their work on this critical societal issue. Women’s health is a key focus for us at UWS, and we are delighted to be at the forefront of developing a tool that can – ultimately – save lives. What Lynsay and her team have created is incredibly powerful, it reflects the strength of her research and the real-world impact it can deliver, particularly in addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including goal three: good health and wellbeing.

 

“This achievement also embodies our commitment as an institution: to be force for good in our communities and to support vulnerable individuals in overcoming the challenges and barriers they face. This is a significant milestone, not only for women’s health research at UWS, but for society as a whole. Congratulations to Lynsay and the team on this truly outstanding achievement.”

 

We are incredibly proud of Lynsay and her team for their work on this critical societal issue. Women’s health is a key focus for us at UWS, and we are delighted to be at the forefront of developing a tool that can – ultimately – save lives.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS

 

Alongside Dr Matthews and Professor O’Connor, the model was developed by a multidisciplinary team across three universities, including Dr Eileen Harkess-Murphy (UWS), Dr Seonaid Cleare (University of Glasgow) and Julie Riddell (University of St Andrews). It was supported by O’Connor’s Suicidal Behaviour Research Lab (SBRL), the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders UK (IAPMD UK) and the National Association for Premenstrual Syndromes (NAPS).

 

You can access the ‘Applied IMV Suicidal Behaviour Model for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (IMV-PMDD)’ here.

 

The research undertaken in collaboration with UWS and the charity directly addresses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly Goal 3: good health and wellbeing.