Through a powerful real-world case study and a trauma-informed, biopsychosocial lens, Dimple Khatiri unpacks the nuanced diagnostic challenges, unpredictable symptom patterns, and critical need for personalized, multidisciplinary care that truly meets patients where they are.
Summary
This webinar examines the clinical complexity of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) through a detailed case study of a 36-year-old woman presenting with severe, cyclical mood disturbance and suicidality. Using complexity theory and a trauma-informed cognitive behavioural framework, the session demonstrates comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment, differential diagnosis, risk evaluation, and multidisciplinary management within a primary care setting. The presentation highlights the neuroendocrine sensitivity underpinning PMDD, the importance of prospective symptom tracking, and the need to distinguish PMDD from depression, bipolar disorder, and personality disorder. Evidence-based pharmacological (luteal-phase SSRI, hormonal options) and psychological (trauma-informed CBT, DBT-informed skills, compassion-focused therapy) interventions are discussed, alongside safety planning and occupational support. The webinar also explores how PMDD symptoms evolve across the female lifespan, including pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, emphasizing personalised, layered care and the importance of clinician awareness to reduce diagnostic overshadowing and gender bias.
