Presentation slides from the 2018 MassBio Petri Dish Nonprofit Pitch Challenge, a competition to recognize the local life sciences and healthcare nonprofit ecosystem’s role in fueling the Massachusetts life sciences cluster.
While the exact cause of PMDD is unknown, recent studies tells us that neurons respond differently to estrogen and progesterone in those with PMDD as opposed to those without. It could be a combination of genetic and environmental factors as well as a variety of PMDD subtypes at play. Until more research is funded, we may never know. And not knowing means an epidemic without a cure.
PME refers to the premenstrual exacerbation/worsening of the symptoms of another psychiatric disorder.
Women are at crisis. The CDC reports that teenage girls make up nearly two-thirds of suicide cases. It is not coincidental that the population affected are adolescent females in the early stages of menarche. Research also shows that female suicide attempts sharply increase during the premenstrual phase.
We started in 2013 as a grassroots organization built around patient experiences, but have since come a long way in establishing meaningful relationships with health care providers and research scientists. We have disrupted the traditional patient/provider relationship and are supporting a healthcare model that allows patients to be an active voice in women’s reproductive research and care.
Together, we are working towards more effective treatment options and one day a cure.
Peer Support is one of our most effective and impactful services we provide to the PMDD community. We have 35+ volunteers around the world from translators to peer support providers. Since launching our Peer Support Program in September of 2017, we have provided over 1300 free one-on-one peer support sessions, and our online peer support groups provide support to over 8,000 members around the world.
The most important reason we do this is because of the high rate of suicidality among those with PMDD. Half the clients IAPMD serves reported having attempted suicide at least once in their lifetime.
More than half of clients served reported that they were experiencing suicidal thoughts at the time services were received. Research tells us that for every man than dies by suicide, four women will attempt it. Peer Support is a crucial bridge between professional care and crisis support.
In March of this year we launched a PMDD/PME self-screening tool on our website. As of the end of October, 2200 individuals have taken this self assessment. When removing the 1% of those who did not qualify for a diagnosis of either disorder, half of the participants screened for PME and the other half PMDD. This information not only guides the user to next steps and resources but also provides us with valuable insight as well.
At the end of the day, this is why we do what we do. We hear every day from women, partners, parents, and caregivers that the tools and resources IAPMD provides has helped sufferers with PMDD live better lives. We not only provide peer support but help patient find doctors who understand the disorder and how to treat it. We help navigate insurance and treatment options and help deliver crucial information that is evidence-based and compassionate.
More than half of clients served reported that they were experiencing suicidal thoughts at the time services were received. Research tells us that for every man than dies by suicide, four women will attempt it. Peer Support is a crucial bridge between professional care and crisis support.
More than half of clients served reported that they were experiencing suicidal thoughts at the time services were received. Research tells us that for every man than dies by suicide, four women will attempt it. Peer Support is a crucial bridge between professional care and crisis support.
Women’s issues are at a tipping point in history. Now is the perfect opportunity to get behind organizations like IAPMD that are working hard to break the stigmas of women’s issues like menstruation and mental health. It is organizations like ours that exist in a collaborative network of movements and like-minded nonprofits that are improving and saving the lives of women in Massachusetts and around the world.
You can learn more about IAPMD and the services we provide on our website at iapmd.org. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter,and Instagram. A great way to support our efforts is to get involved as a volunteer or making a donation. Thank you for your interest in our organization. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have!