PMDD & Suicidality: Facts & Statistics
Educational only—not medical advice. If you feel unsafe, use your local emergency number or a crisis line.
How strong is the suicide-risk link in PMDD?
Meta-analyses report ~7× higher odds of suicide attempt in PMDD compared with non-PMDD groups.
How common are suicidal thoughts in clinically confirmed PMDD?
In a global cohort with clinician-confirmed PMDD, about 72% reported lifetime active suicidal ideation, nearly half reported planning, and about a third reported attempts.
What do large community surveys show?
Community surveys echo high risk: many report 80%+ lifetime suicidal thoughts and roughly one in four report at least one attempt (self-report, online cohorts).
Past-year risk?
Clinical samples have reported ~39% past-year suicidal ideation and around ~29% past-year attempts in PMDD (sample-specific; methods vary).
When is risk highest in the cycle?
Risk often spikes in the luteal (premenstrual) phase, then eases within a few days of bleeding.
Why do studies report different numbers?
Rates vary by how PMDD is defined (self-report vs. daily-ratings confirmation), where participants were recruited (clinic vs. online), and the timeframe (lifetime vs. past-year).
Do guidelines address safety screening?
Yes. Recent professional guidance recommends routine suicidality screening in moderate–severe PMDD alongside a multimodal treatment plan.
Where can I get help right now?
Use your local emergency number or 24/7 crisis options (e.g., US: call/text 988). Create a simple safety plan and share it with someone you trust.
