PMDD Featured on UK Soap Emmerdale
IAPMD has been working behind the scenes with the Emmerdale production team on a trailblazing new storyline featuring PMDD.
For media enquiries: media@iapmd.org. See press release here.
In episodes aired in early 2023 on the long-running UK soap, a teen character, Cathy Hope (16, played by Gabrielle Dowling), started experiencing mental health symptoms thought to be linked to her periods. Fans speculated her mood swings were due to heavy periods, but in fact, it was revealed in late March to be Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).
PMDD is a mental health condition linked to the menstrual cycle that can cause symptoms of depression, anxiety, rage, mood swings, and even suicidal thoughts. Symptoms can develop after puberty, so Cathy’s experience as a teen with PMDD is not uncommon.
While PMDD affects approximately 5.5% of women/AFAB individuals (1 in 20 - that’s almost a million in the UK alone!), awareness is still low. Few TV shows, movies, or books have featured a character with the diagnosis, often portraying PMS in much less severe, and often comical representations. Emmerdale creators took a risk to take on PMDD and worked closely with advocates at IAPMD to bring the storyline to life with respect and accuracy.
Emmerdale (known as Emmerdale Farm until 1989) is a British television soap opera broadcast on ITV.
Geographical restrictions may apply.
Cathy talks to her dad, Bob. Image: ITV
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The story so far
Early in 2023, viewers began to notice changes in Cathy’s behavior - angry outbursts, irritability, and feeling overwhelmed.
Radio Times., February 21st : “Bob despaired as he insisted that Cathy apologise to Marlon; but she was too embarrassed and upset as she ignored him and left. Outside, Bernice made a breakthrough as she sat down with Cathy, patiently listening as Cathy explained that she didn't know what was happening to her.
She confided that since starting the contraceptive pill to help with her periods, they had been lighter, but Cathy was still struggling to control her anger.”
An eagle-eyed viewer on Twitter said: “Cathy's issues seem more #Pmdd than normal #pms. I used to fly off the handle like that at the drop of a hat. Period, ovulation, any hormonal changes, and I was a mess. #Emmerdale.”
Cathy has talked about her heavy periods, and she had recently been prescribed the progesterone-only pill to treat it.
After her symptoms built up to a crisis point, she sees her concerned GP, Manpreet, who remembers treating a patient with similar symptoms and considers that Cathy could have PMDD.
While Cathy heads off to The Lakes for some time away - the story is set to continue. Watch this space!
Although Cathy's character is being treated for heavy periods as well - PMDD is not related to blood loss. PMDD is a hormone based mood disorder - and while symptoms are triggered by the hormone fluctuations that occur from ovulation, the symptoms are predominantly mood based. PMDD is not heavy blood loss or severe cramps.
Think you might have PMDD?
If Cathy’s story resonates with you, you are not alone. PMDD affects around 1 in 20 women and AFAB individuals during their reproductive lifetime - help is at hand. Here are some resources to explore:
Parents
If you are a parent who recognizes the characteristics of PMDD in your child, support them in completing the PMDD Self-Screen below and to begin tracking their symptoms on a daily basis. It can be stressful to observe your young one struggling - we have a parent’s support group where you can talk and connect with others - as well as ask questions and share in a safe, understanding space.