PMDD diagnosis ended two-decade battle for woman with cyclical rage

The Story

Wendy Barker, 56, was diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in 2000 after two decades of severe cyclical mood swings and rage that affected her family. Her daughter Laura Daly recalled witnessing Barker ram their car into the garage door multiple times during an outburst. Barker said symptoms vanished for a week each month before reappearing for three weeks. Doctors initially suspected bipolar disorder, but the timing led to a diagnosis from Dr Katharina Dalton, who had coined the term PMS. PMDD was added to the DSM in 2013 and recognized by the WHO in 2019, and Barker was among Britain’s first diagnosed. She found relief with oestrogen implants from Prof John Studd, but the NHS refused funding, so she paid £600 every six months out of pocket. Other women, including Jenny Fairhurst and Dr Milli Raizada, described similar experiences of misdiagnosis and struggle. The UK’s first PMDD charity has recently been set up.

Key Facts

• PMDD affects up to 1 in 20 women of reproductive age, but only 1.6% have a formal diagnosis.
• A third of those diagnosed with PMDD have attempted suicide.
• Barker’s symptoms included severe mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and overwhelm.
• She paid £600 every six months for oestrogen implants because the NHS refused funding.
• Jenny Fairhurst was dismissed by one doctor as “normal hormonal mood swings” before another GP diagnosed her.
• Dr Milli Raizada, a GP and women’s health expert, had never heard of PMDD when diagnosed six years ago.
• New research this year shows PMDD can affect trust and intimacy for patients and partners.

Conflicting Reports

No conflicting reports identified in the source article.

Still Unclear

No open questions identified in the source article.

Misconceptions

The article notes that PMDD is often mischaracterized as PMS, but it is more severe, lasts longer, and includes different symptoms such as extreme depression or rage.

Key Figures

• Wendy Barker, 56, PMDD patient diagnosed in 2000
• Laura Daly, Barker’s daughter (now 37)
• Dr Katharina Dalton, who coined term PMS and diagnosed Barker
• Prof John Studd, consultant gynaecologist who trialled oestrogen implants
• Tamsin Taylor, Brighton counsellor known as the PMDD Therapist
• Dr Louise Newson, women’s health expert
• Jenny Fairhurst, 41, from Crewe, PMDD patient
• Dr Milli Raizada, GP and women’s health expert diagnosed with PMDD

Sources: The Guardian