I'm a Researcher based at the University of the West of Scotland

I research Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

I'm interested in the impact PMDD has on mental health, suicidal behaviour, education, employment, disordered eating, relationships, parenting, risk taking behaviours and more

p.s. Sometimes people like to know about qualifications, publications and the like before they get in touch.

You can find these on my research bio page

Contact: Email me at lynsay.matthews@uws.ac.uk

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MY CURRENT PROJECTS

Here's what I'm working on just now ...

THE UK PMDD RESEARCH AGENDA

Alongside my research partner, Julie Riddell, we worked with groups of stakeholders to identify research priorities for PMDD in the UK (funded by ESRC and Research England).

Five key research priorities were identified. See the full research agenda here.

DESIGNING A ROADMAP FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION IN PMDD

I will be working with people involved in emergency mental health crisis support, and suicide prevention researchers to create a roadmap for suicide prevention in PMDD.

And as always we will include the important insight of people living with PMDD. Funded by the ESRC Impact Accelerator Fund.

Want to be involved? Email me at lynsay.matthews@uws.ac.uk

EATING BEHAVIOURS: WHAT ARE THE EXPERIENCES OF PEOPLE WITH PMDD

My Masters student, Dr Relindis Nkeng Ebesoh, interviewed people with PMDD about their eating behaviours.

We found that people with PMDD display disorded eating similar to those of eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and anorexia nervosa. Knowing this is important for developing the right type of support.

We hope to publish Relindis's findings soon!

PMDD AND EATING BEHAVIOURS: WHAT DOES THE EVIDENCE SAY?

My Masters student, Myfanwy Miranda, completed a systematic review of all studies that reported on PMDD and eating behaviours.

We found that a diagnosis of PMDD is consistently associated with disordered eating. Our review found data suggesting possible mechanims for PMDD's impact on eating.

We hope to publish Myfanwy's results soon!

EXPLORING WELFARE BENEFITS FOR PMDD: A SOCIO-LEGAL FOCUS

I'm collaborating with legal researcher, Mhairi Campbell from the University of the West of Scotland, to explore how PMDD is managed in relation to health benefit claims.

Typically, health benefit claims are paid for health conditions which impact people >50% of the time. However, this does not address fluctuating conditons such as PMDD where the detrimental impact of the disorder is present when symptoms resolve.

This project is in the early development stages. I'll post an update soon. You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram for other updates!