Abstract
Our study
This study explored the experiences of people with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) who applied for a social security benefit e.g. Adult Disability Payment (ADP) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Insight was also gathered from several professional stakeholders with experience of the welfare benefits system.
Why was this research needed?
PMDD is a severe hormone-based mood disorder. It causes debilitating symptoms in the latter half of the menstrual cycle. It affects 1 in 20 women and people who menstruate. The majority of people with PMDD have suicidal thoughts, 1 in 2 self-harm and 1 in 3 attempt suicide. PMDD impacts all aspects of life. Some people with PMDD need support for daily living.
What did we do?
We delivered four focus groups:
(1) Three of the focus groups included people with PMDD. In total we gathered insight from 17 people. We asked them to describe their experience of applying for support.
(2) One focus group with three professional stakeholders. We asked them to describe their experience of supporting people through the application process.
What did we find?
Our final analysis identified four key findings:
1. Lack of a trauma-informed approach
2. Inconsistent assessment and decision outcomes
3. Difficulty evidencing a fluctuating condition
4. Unaware (or lack) of support for the application process
Final recommendations
1. Embed trauma-informed approaches across all systems, processes and organisational practices
2. Provide mandatory trauma-informed training and resources for all decision-making personnel within Social Security Scotland and the Department of Work and Pensions
3. Implement trauma-informed decision letter templates as standard practice
4. Reform eligibility criteria for fairer assessment of mental health related symptoms
5. Reform eligibility criteria for fairer assessment of fluctuating conditions
6. Apply the social model of disability to the assessment of fluctuating conditions
7. Enhance training on fluctuating conditions for decision-makers
8. Strengthen the outreach and promotion of available support services for applicants
9. Provide clear, accessible, and supportive application guidance
10. Establish peer support and independent advocacy services
This study explored the experiences of people with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) who applied for a social security benefit e.g. Adult Disability Payment (ADP) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Insight was also gathered from several professional stakeholders with experience of the welfare benefits system.
Why was this research needed?
PMDD is a severe hormone-based mood disorder. It causes debilitating symptoms in the latter half of the menstrual cycle. It affects 1 in 20 women and people who menstruate. The majority of people with PMDD have suicidal thoughts, 1 in 2 self-harm and 1 in 3 attempt suicide. PMDD impacts all aspects of life. Some people with PMDD need support for daily living.
What did we do?
We delivered four focus groups:
(1) Three of the focus groups included people with PMDD. In total we gathered insight from 17 people. We asked them to describe their experience of applying for support.
(2) One focus group with three professional stakeholders. We asked them to describe their experience of supporting people through the application process.
What did we find?
Our final analysis identified four key findings:
1. Lack of a trauma-informed approach
2. Inconsistent assessment and decision outcomes
3. Difficulty evidencing a fluctuating condition
4. Unaware (or lack) of support for the application process
Final recommendations
1. Embed trauma-informed approaches across all systems, processes and organisational practices
2. Provide mandatory trauma-informed training and resources for all decision-making personnel within Social Security Scotland and the Department of Work and Pensions
3. Implement trauma-informed decision letter templates as standard practice
4. Reform eligibility criteria for fairer assessment of mental health related symptoms
5. Reform eligibility criteria for fairer assessment of fluctuating conditions
6. Apply the social model of disability to the assessment of fluctuating conditions
7. Enhance training on fluctuating conditions for decision-makers
8. Strengthen the outreach and promotion of available support services for applicants
9. Provide clear, accessible, and supportive application guidance
10. Establish peer support and independent advocacy services
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | Paisley |
| Publisher | University of the West of Scotland |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 22 Aug 2025 |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
Keywords
- PMDD
- menstrual health
- menstrual inequality
- Adult Disability Payment
- wmen’s mental health
- social security
- DWP
- ADP
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