Pattern HealthEducation

Flagship programme

Recognise and Manage PMDD Confidently in Primary Care

A structured, evidence-informed online education programme for GPs, designed to strengthen the recognition, assessment and management of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder within routine primary care.

3 hours
Self-paced online learning
12 months
Programme access
£225
Individual access
Certificate
Included
Enrol nowOrganisational Access

Designed for primary care

A structured approach to recognising and managing PMDD

PMDD can be challenging to recognise when symptoms are seen at different points in the menstrual cycle or present alongside symptoms associated with other conditions.

This programme gives GPs a structured approach to recognising cyclical symptom patterns, prospective symptom tracking, differential diagnosis, first-line management, safety-netting and appropriate escalation or referral — designed around the realities of routine primary care.

Clinical perspective

“As a gynaecologist working across primary and secondary care, I have encountered patients whose PMDD has been misdiagnosed as depression or other mental health conditions, sometimes leading to inappropriate management.”

Dr Navani

Women’s Health Specialist in Menopause, Sexual Health and Community Gynaecology

Independent Clinical Reviewer

Recognise cyclical patterns

Develop a structured approach to cycle-based history-taking and prospective symptom tracking, including use of the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP).

Assess and manage

Work through differential diagnosis, first-line management, safety-netting and escalation within a primary care context.

Communicate clearly

Introduce symptom tracking, explain PMDD and support shared decision-making using clear, practical communication.

Learning outcomes

What clinicians will be able to do

The programme is focused on practical capability — helping clinicians apply learning within real-world consultations.

  1. 01

    Recognise cyclical symptom patterns

    Identify the timing and pattern of symptoms and take a structured cycle-based history to support recognition of a possible premenstrual disorder.

  2. 02

    Differentiate PMDD, PMS and PME

    Understand the diagnostic features of PMDD and distinguish it from PMS and premenstrual exacerbation of an underlying condition.

  3. 03

    Introduce prospective symptom tracking

    Explain and introduce prospective daily symptom rating using the DRSP and understand its role in confirming a cyclical symptom pattern.

  4. 04

    Plan first-line management

    Understand first-line management options and apply appropriate safety-netting, review and escalation in line with relevant UK guidance.

  5. 05

    Recognise when referral is appropriate

    Identify circumstances in which specialist input or referral may be required and understand the information that can support continuity of care.

  6. 06

    Communicate effectively with patients

    Explain PMDD, assessment, symptom tracking and management options clearly to support informed and shared decision-making.

Programme curriculum

From recognition to management

The programme follows the clinical journey from understanding PMDD and recognising cyclical symptoms through assessment, management, safety and referral.

  1. Welcome

    PMDD: Recognition, Diagnosis & Management in Primary Care

  2. 01

    Understanding PMDD

  3. 02

    Assessment & Symptom Tracking

  4. 03

    Differential Diagnosis — PMDD, PMS and PME

  5. 04

    First-Line Treatment of PMDD

  6. 05

    Managing Suicidal Ideation in PMDD

  7. 06

    Referral Pathways & Multidisciplinary Care

  8. 07

    Effective Communication & Shared Decision-Making

  9. 08

    Programme Summary & Certificate of Completion

Clinical rigour

Developed for primary care. Independently clinically reviewed.

Programme content is evidence-informed, aligned with relevant current UK clinical guidance and independently reviewed for clinical accuracy and relevance to practice.

Dr Walsh, MRCGP

Practising NHS GP

Dr Navani, MBBS, MD, FRCOG, FCSRH

Women’s Health Specialist in Menopause, Sexual Health and Community Gynaecology

Meet our clinical reviewersHow the programme was developed

Access the programme

Individual and organisational access

Individual clinicians

£225

  • Approximately 3 hours of self-paced online learning
  • 12 months access
  • Certificate of Completion

Approximately three hours of self-directed learning suitable for recording within an appropriate professional development portfolio.

Enrol now

Healthcare organisations

For GP practices, Primary Care Networks, Training Hubs and other healthcare organisations seeking access for multiple clinicians.

Organisational options can include group access, invoicing and cohort progress/completion reporting.

Explore organisational access