MSc Social Work

Dissertation

“Enhancing Mental Health Practice: Investigating Premenstrual Symptomatology and

Effective Screening Approaches for Mental Health Social Workers “

Research question: "Should mental health social workers incorporate screening for
Premenstrual Symptomatology (PMS) in their mental health assessments?"

Chapter 1: Introduction

Abstract – will be completed at the end.

1.1 Introduction

Women and those who menstruate may experience a diverse range of premenstrual
experiences, characterized by a variety of signs and symptoms (Saglam, Yesildere, & Orsal,
2020). The experience at the forefront of this is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), commonly
prevalent during reproductive years and is characterized by a cluster of emotional, physical
and behavioural symptoms which become non-existent a few days after the start of
menstruation. Symptoms are often mild, 5-8% have moderate to severe symptoms that can
cause significant distress or functional impairment. (Gudipally & Sharma, 2022).

" A connection between the physiology of the menstrual cycle and behavioural change has
been noted since the early medical writings of Hippocrates around 400 BC and of Soranus in
the second century A.D." (Delaney et al., 1999; Johnson, 1987 as cited in Hall, 1994).

Hippocrates linked menstrual cycle disorders to “hysteria”, a condition thought to be caused

by a "wandering uterus." The uterus was believed to move internally in response to the
lunar phases, which coincided with the menstrual cycle length of 28 days (Rodin, 1992).

Around 420 BCE, the Corpus Hippocraticum used the term "Hysteria" to describe a range of
female diseases that were believed to be causes by animate or inanimate wombs, referring
to the idea that the uterus (womb) can be thought of as either devoid of life (inanimate) or
possessing life (animate) (Reynolds, 2018).

Hippocrates described some physical and psychological manifestations of hysteria in his

work "On Virgins" (VIII.466-70 Littré. G):

"For later the blood collects in the womb in preparation to flow out"..."because of its
abundance, rushes up to the heart and to the lungs; and when these are filled with blood,
the heart becomes sluggish, and then, because of the sluggishness, numb, and then,
because of the numbness, insanity takes hold of the woman... When these places are filled
with blood, shivering sets in with fevers. They call these 'erratic fevers.' When this is the
state of affairs, the girl goes crazy because of the violent inflammation, and she becomes
murderous because of the decay and is afraid and fearful because of the darkness."

"The girls try to choke themselves because of the pressure on their hearts; their will,
distraught and anguished because of the bad condition of the blood, forces evil on itself. In
some cases, the girl says dreadful things"... "When this person returns to her right mind,
women give to Artemis various offerings, especially the most valuable of women's robes,
following the orders of oracles, but they are deceived. The fact is that the disorder is cured
when nothing impedes the downward flow of blood" (Diotima Project, n.d., para. 349).

Research has acknowledged the impacts of the menstrual cycle on the emotional state and
cognitive functioning of some women (Lazarov, 1982; Farage, Osborn, & MacLean, 2008;
Birtchnell & Floyd, 1974). Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by symptoms such
as irritability, mood swings, anxiety and depression, which are experienced during the
cycle's luteal phase (Kappen et al., 2022; Hoyer et al., 2013). These symptoms can
potentially have an effect on cognitive abilities such as memory, attention and executive
function. However, the severity and manifestation of PMS can vary among women and may
not be consistent from one cycle to the next (Le, Thomas, & Gurvich, 2020). Even though the
specific aetiology of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is lacking clarity, it is commonly believed
that hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle play a significant role (Severino
& Moline, 1995; Mayo & Joseph, 1999) . Despite being the most common disorder at
reproductive age (Zendehdel & Elyasi, 2018), PMS remains an under-researched area within
the field of mental health social work, representing an important gap in our understanding
of women's health and well-being (Siegel, 1987a).

1.2 Acknowledging Gender Diversity and Terminology in the Study of Premenstrual

Syndrome (PMS) and Background

In this dissertation, the term 'women' refers to people who experience menstruation, in
check with the language most often used in the current literature on Premenstrual
Syndrome (PMS). It is imperative to note that this terminology is chosen to maintain
consistency with the original authors and the larger body of literature.

However it is important to acknowledge that not all people who menstruate may identify as
women. Gender identity is diverse and can extend beyond the binary norms of male and
female. Some individuals who menstruate may identify as non-binary, genderqueer, or have
other gender identities (Rydström, 2020). By using the word 'women' in this dissertation, it
is not my aim to exclude or nullify the experiences of individuals who menstruate and do
not identify as women. Rather it is a reflection of the existing language used in the literature
and the terminology employed by the original authors.

Research by Siahbazi, Montazeri, Taghizadeh, and Masoomie (2018), highlights the

multidimensional nature of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and its significant impact on
women's quality of life. The study found that PMS can affect women in physical,
physiological, behavioural, and family social ways leading to a decreased quality of life. The
author emphasizes the need for a more holistic approach to women's healthcare that
considers the various dimensions of PMS and addresses each person’s unique needs.

Building upon understanding the widespread impact of premenstrual symptoms, the study
conducted by Tschudin, Hantsoo, and colleagues (2022; 2022) utilized quantitative data
from the "Flo" app, an application designed for tracking menstrual cycles and symptoms. In
addition, their research specifically relied on self-recorded data collected from app users,
providing a large sample size and real-time insights into the experiences with premenstrual
symptoms.

To comprehend the data, the researchers scrutinized the frequency and severity of
premenstrual symptoms reported by app users. They utilized a sample of 238,114 app users
from 140 countries. Using statistical analysis techniques, they identified patterns and
associations between symptoms and different phases of the menstrual cycle. This approach
provided insights into the impact of premenstrual symptoms on women's everyday lives.

Using the "Flo" app data enabled the researchers to draw meaningful conclusions about the
prevalence and effects of premenstrual symptoms. In addition, by utilizing a quantitative
approach and employing statistical analysis, the study provided valuable insights into the
magnitude and patterns of symptoms experienced by women worldwide. The study's
findings shed light on the prevalence and effects of these symptoms, contributing to a
broader understanding of their significance in women's lives.

1.3 Aims and objectives.

Mental health social workers play a critical role in supporting individuals with mental health
concerns, including those who experience PMS-related symptoms. However, little is known
about how mental health social workers perceive and address PMS within their practice
therefore my research question for this study is: "Should mental health social workers
incorporate screening for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in their mental health
assessments?"

The aim of this research is to explore the intersection between PMS and mental health
social work. Specifically, this study will seek to (1) determine the scope and depth of the
scholarly literature on PMS within mental health social work, (2) understand how PMS is
discussed within the literature of the wider social work profession and examine what mental
health social workers can learn from this, (3) analyse what studies of mental health social
workers reveal about the way they perceive PMS and if/how they incorporate it into their
mental health assessments, and (4) assess which interventions by mental health social
workers to better screen for PMS are most effective and/or approach the issue from a
holistic perspective.

Overall, this research aims to shed light on the current understanding and practice of mental
health social workers regarding PMS and to identify potential strategies to improve the
identification and treatment of PMS-related symptoms within mental health social work
practice. This research aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding and
practice of mental health social workers regarding Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). By
identifying strategies to improve the identification and treatment of PMS-related symptoms
in their approach, this study seeks to empower mental health social workers to provide
inclusive and practical support to all people who experience PMS-related symptoms. In
addition, the findings of this research could enhance the well-being and mental health
outcomes of individuals affected by PMS.

This review aims to explore the effects of Premenstrual Symptomatology on mental health
and if it is appropriate for mental health social workers to screen premenstrual symptoms
during mental health assessments. To achieve this aim, the following objectives were set:
• To determine the scope and depth of the literature on Premenstrual Symptoms
within mental health social work.

• To understand if/how Premenstrual Symptoms are discussed within the literature of

the wider social work profession and examine what mental health social workers can learn
from this.

• To identify the most effective interventions employed by mental health social

workers for screening premenstrual symptoms, including those that approach the issue
holistically and offer comprehensive support to those affected. This objective seeks to
identify approaches that can aid in systematically evaluating premenstrual symptoms'
psychological and psychiatric impact.

1.3 Conceptual Framework

Grant and Osanloo (2014) emphasise the often-misunderstood importance of the

theoretical framework in the research process, particularly for doctorate students
completing their dissertations. They suggest that without a theoretical framework, the
organisation and vision of a study remain ambiguous. In contrast, including a theoretical
framework in the research plan gives the dissertation study strength and structure, allowing
for a well-organised flow from one chapter to the next. The writers utilise the metaphor of a
"blueprint" to show how the theoretical framework directs the dissertation.

To improve the recognition and management of PMS-related symptoms in the context of

mental health social work practice, I aim to develop a thorough understanding, strengthen
the validity of my findings, and identify practical strategies by incorporating different
theoretical frameworks into my research on the knowledge of Premenstrual Syndrome
(PMS) among mental health social workers. According to Anfara Jr and Mertz (2014, p. 114),
"Using multiple theories can help 'have a greater breadth'." With this strategy, I plan to
create a more functional and inclusive support network for people with PMS.

The limitations of the linearity assumption in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) research are
discussed by Walker (1995). According to Walker (1995), the dominant linearity model
presupposes a one-way causal relationship between variables and the onset of PMS
symptoms. As a result, there is now an emphasis on categorising women as having PMS or
not and looking for a single component separating the two groups. However, the diversity of
PMS experiences needs to be adequately represented by this linear method.

Walker asserts that interactive biopsychosocial models, which consider how social,
psychological, and biological aspects interact, may provide a more thorough explanation of
PMS. These models consider the differences in symptoms across women and within
menstrual cycles, the impact of social variables on the cycle, the disruption of mood and
circadian rhythms, and the synchronised changes in the body's physiological and
neurochemical systems during the menstrual cycle. Researchers can go beyond linear
presumptions and get deeper insights into the complex nature of PMS by utilising
interactive biopsychosocial models (Walker, 1995).

In addition to the biopsychosocial model, social constructionism theory will be considered.

According to Conrad and Barker (2010), social constructionism emphasises how language,
symbols, and shared meanings are used to socially construct issues like health and illness.
Applying social constructionism can help explore how PMS is conceptualized and discussed
within mental health social work and the broader social work profession. It can look at how
language, cultural assumptions, and societal discourses about PMS affect how those with
the condition experience and perceive their condition (Lorber & Moore, 2002).

Bronfenbrenner (2000) put forth ecological systems theory that emphasises the various
systems—the microsystem, mesosystem, ecosystem, and macrosystem—that interact and
impact a person's growth and well-being. Analysing the multiple contexts and systems that
influence people with PMS, such as family, school, community, and broader societal
influences, can be achieved by using ecological systems theory. It can help shed light on
broader social and environmental factors that influence how people with PMS experience
their condition and can guide the creation of all-encompassing interventions.

Intersectionality theory will also be considered as it acknowledges the multiple intersecting

social identities and experiences of privilege and oppression that people have (Hawkey &
Ussher, 2022). Applying intersectionality can aid in examining the connections between the
experience of PMS and mental health and variables like race, ethnicity, socioeconomic
status, and sexual orientation. It can help people from different marginalised groups better
understand the difficulties they face and direct the creation of inclusive and culturally
sensitive methods for addressing PMS in mental health social work.

Chapter 2. Methodology

2.1 Introduction

The purpose of this chapter is to explain the rationale and research approach for my
methodology and critically assess the ethical implications of my work, this chapter will also
elucidate the chosen methods and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each
method selected.

2.2 Research philosophy/rationale

In my research, I will adopt a pragmatic approach that aligns with my conceptual framework
and research questions. By incorporating multiple theoretical frameworks, such as the
interactive biopsychosocial model, social constructionism, ecological systems theory, and
intersectionality, I aim to develop practical strategies for addressing Premenstrual Syndrome
(PMS) in mental health social work (Maxcy 2003). This approach recognizes the limitations
of linear assumptions and emphasizes the practical application of theories (Atkins 2012).

Pragmatism enables a practical and inclusive exploration of PMS within the context of
mental health social work. It considers the interaction of social, psychological, and biological
factors, allowing for the identification of effective interventions and ultimately enhancing
the well-being of individuals affected by PMS (Romm, 2014).

2.3 Methods

A literature review methodology was chosen for this dissertation to examine how
premenstrual symptoms are addressed and discussed within the field of mental health
social work.

Conducting a literature review is a natural approach for this dissertation, as it allows for a
comprehensive overview of the topic, identification of knowledge gaps, and insights from
related fields. It is a practical and accessible method that aligns with the research objectives
of shedding light on an understudied area of mental health social work practice.

By reviewing the literature, this study aims to gain insights, understand the current
knowledge, and address an area that has been thus far under-discussed in the Social Work
literature.

A literature review allows for an in-depth examination of existing research and "can address
research questions with a power that no single study has," (Snyder, 2019). To effectively
address the research question, I deemed it necessary to employ multiple literature reviews
methods; this decision was driven by the need for a comprehensive understanding, the
identification of relevant literature, the exploration of broader professional perspectives,
and the establishment of a foundation for further research. Additionally, during the initial
reading phase, the possibility that I may not find the exact literature needed was
acknowledged, further emphasising the need for using various methods to guarantee a
thorough review of the available literature.

For the first two objectives, which aim, firstly to determine the scope and depth of the
literature on Premenstrual Symptoms within mental health social work and secondly to
understand how these symptoms are discussed in the broader social work profession, a
scoping literature review was chosen as it ‘can be of particular use when the topic has not
yet been extensively reviewed or is of a complex heterogeneous nature,’ (May et al., 2001
as cited in Snyder, 2019, pp. 371-385). According to Levac, Colquhoun, and O'Brien (2010),
scoping studies are a valuable methodology that involves "mapping," which is the process of
summarizing a range of evidence to convey the breadth and depth of a particular field (p. 3).
Lastly, the third objective seeks to identify the most effective interventions employed by
mental health social workers for screening Premenstrual Symptoms and providing
comprehensive support. To achieve this, a systematic review methodology was chosen.

A systematic review follows a structured and rigorous process to identify, select, and
critically appraise relevant studies (Hanley, Cutts 2013). By adopting a systematic approach,
this objective aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of evidence, allowing for the
identification of interventions that have been empirically evaluated and have demonstrated
effectiveness in addressing Premenstrual Symptoms from a psychological and psychiatric
perspective.

Suppose it is found that mental health social workers do not employ specific interventions
to screen premenstrual symptoms. In that case, a systematic review will be conducted to
identify potential interventions from other related fields or disciplines. This approach allows
for a comprehensive examination of interventions that may not be currently utilized within
mental health social work but have effectively addressed similar psychological and
psychiatric impacts.

2.4 Search strategy

From the early stages of the dissertation, I recognized that finding literature directly
addressing Premenstrual Symptoms (PMS) within the mental health social work domain
might be challenging. I adopted a proactive approach by conducting searches across
multiple academic databases to tackle this potential limitation. This allowed me to cast a
wide net and increase the chances of identifying relevant literature (Smith et al., 2011).

I have searched multiple academic databases to ensure a comprehensive review of the

literature on Premenstrual Symptoms (PMS) within the mental health social work domain.
These included PubMed, Sagepub, EBSCO, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied
Health Literature), SpringerLink, Taylor and Francis, ScienceDirect, and JSTOR.

While the initial search yielded some results, it was observed that the number of relevant
articles needed to be increased to address the research question fully. Furthermore, I
acknowledged the value of diverse sources in academic research (Dupont, Galand & Nils,
2015). While academic databases are the primary repositories of scholarly knowledge, I also
explored non-academic databases like Academia and Google Scholar to complement my
search (Gruzd, 2012). Despite their potential limitations, these sources can provide insights
from different perspectives and include early-stage research or studies from scholars who
have yet to publish in traditional academic journals (Björk, Solomon, 2013). To ensure the
academic rigour and quality of the study, only academic peer-reviewed journal articles were
considered.

In my dissertation, I employ two search strategies due to the distinct objectives I aim to
achieve. Firstly, I am conducting a Scoping Literature Review to determine the scope and
depth of the literature on Premenstrual Symptoms within the mental health social work
domain and understand how these symptoms are discussed in the broader social work
profession.

To capture comprehensive literature related to Premenstrual Symptoms, I am using a range

of relevant search keywords, including variations of the term "Premenstrual Symptoms",
such as "Premenstrual Syndrome," "PMS," and "Premenstrual Experiences" (Papaioannou et
al., 2010). This ensures that I retrieve studies that may use different terminologies to refer
to the same phenomenon. A Boolean search utilizes operators such as "AND" "OR" and
"NOT" to narrow or broaden search results (Gusenbauer, Haddaway, 2020).

I have also included the terms "PMDD" (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and "PE"
(Premenstrual Exacerbation) in the search string because these terms are related to
Premenstrual Symptoms and are important for the comprehensive review of the literature
(Dell, 2004).

A person's mental health and well-being may be significantly impacted by PMDD, a severe
form of premenstrual syndrome (Rapkin, Winer, 2009). It is essential to take PMDD into
account in the search because it is included in the larger category of premenstrual
symptoms and because its inclusion enables a more thorough understanding of the
implications of menstruation for mental health (Hofmeister, Bodden, 2016).

Similarly, premenstrual exacerbation (PE) is the deterioration of preexisting mental health

conditions during the premenstrual phase (Akdeniz, Karadag, 2006). Including PE in the
search makes it possible to find articles examining the potential interactions between
premenstrual changes and preexisting mental health conditions that could exacerbate
symptoms (Seeman, 2012).

Search String for the first objective: ("Premenstrual Symptoms" OR "Premenstrual

Syndrome" OR "PMS" OR "Premenstrual Experiences" OR "PMDD" OR "PE") AND ("Mental
Health Social Work" OR "Mental Health Social Workers" OR "Clinical Social Work")

In conjunction with any term related to mental health social work, such as "Mental Health
Social Work," "Mental Health Social Workers," etc., the aim of this search string is to return
articles that contain any term related to premenstrual symptoms, such as "Premenstrual
Syndrome," "PMS," etc. The search results will highlight the articles that discuss how
Premenstrual Symptoms intersect with mental health social work.

Search string for the second objective: ("Premenstrual Symptoms" OR "Premenstrual

Syndrome" OR "PMS" OR "Premenstrual Experiences" OR "PMDD" OR "PE") AND ("Social
Work Profession" OR "Social Workers" OR "Social Work Practice")

The first search focuses on the intersection of Premenstrual Symptoms within mental health
social work, while the second search aims to understand how these symptoms are discussed
within the broader social work profession and what insights mental health social workers
can gain from this broader literature.
Search string for the last objective: ("Premenstrual Symptoms" OR "Premenstrual
Syndrome" OR "PMS" OR "PMDD" OR "PE") AND ("Mental Health Social Work" OR "Mental
Health Social Workers" OR "Clinical Social Work") AND ("Interventions" OR "Screening" OR
"Assessment" OR "Evaluation") AND ("Psychological Interventions" OR "Psychiatric
Interventions" OR "Holistic Approaches" OR "Comprehensive Support")

As mentioned above if no results are found for this objective, I can proceed with the plan to
conduct a systematic review to identify potential interventions from other related fields or
disciplines. This systematic review approach allows for a comprehensive examination of
interventions that may not be currently utilized within mental health social work but have
demonstrated effectiveness in addressing similar psychological and psychiatric impacts in
other contexts or fields by using the following Boolean search:

Search string for the last objective: ("Premenstrual Symptoms" OR "Premenstrual

Syndrome" OR "PMS" OR "PMDD" OR "PE") AND ("Interventions" OR "Treatment" OR
"Support") AND ("Psychological Interventions" OR "Psychiatric Interventions" OR "Holistic
Approaches" OR "Comprehensive Support") AND ("Effectiveness" OR "Efficacy" OR
"Outcomes")

In this search, I will focus on articles related to interventions for Premenstrual Symptoms,
including treatment and support approaches. Additionally, I included terms like
"Effectiveness," "Efficacy," and "Outcomes" to find studies that have demonstrated the
effectiveness of these interventions in addressing psychological and psychiatric impacts
related to Premenstrual Symptoms.

2.5 Inclusion Criteria

For the scoping the scoping review I will be using various types of literature to provide a
comprehensive overview and mapping of the existing literature such as research articles,
review Articles, conceptual papers, case studies. For the systemic review, I chose Systematic
Reviews and Meta-Analyses as the primary inclusion criteria for the search methods. I have
made this decision because these comprehensive analyses of existing literature offer a
holistic perspective, incorporating various articles such as research articles, review articles,
case studies, qualitative studies, and evidence-based practice guidelines. By selecting
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, I aim to understand better the research landscape
related to Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and mental health social work. This approach will
allow me to identify key themes, trends, and evidence-based interventions.

On the other hand, to discuss the findings, a combination of Research Articles, Case Studies,
Qualitative Studies, and Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines will offer an extensive and
comprehensive examination of PMS within the context of mental health social work.
To ensure current information, I aim to select studies published within the last 5–10 years.
However, I will also consider seminal or classic studies predating this timeframe if they
significantly impact or provide the historical context of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and
mental health social work.

2.6 Quality appraisal

To thoroughly evaluate the quality and credibility of the research studies chosen for my
literature review, I will be utilizing the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) (Long,
French & Brooks, 2020). CASP's tailored checklists for various study types will guide the
assessment of each study's strengths and weaknesses (Nadelson, Nadelson, 2014).

The main goal in a scoping literature review is to chart the existing literature on a specific topic rather than
gauge the individual study findings. As a consequence, the critical appraisal process in a scoping review
may not be as vast as in a systematic review, where the focal point is on assessing the methodological
precision and bias of studies to determine the durability of the evidence. – references

2.7 Ethical considerations and positionality

Having had to utilise primarily secondary data in my dissertation, the use of ethically
sourced material was crucial in helping obtain quality peer-reviewed research. Consistent
with Social work policy, I will strive to project my findings objectively and without bias when
interpreting the literature (Marlow, 2023). Data about people who menstruate was taken
into consideration, and rationale was explained in the objectives, as not all who identify as
female are able to menstruate. When referring to specific studies or research findings, I will
ensure that I will omit any names of the authors and participants to ensure anonymity
(Moriña, 2021). Extra care was taken to ensure the use of any copyrighted material received
the correct authorisation from the relevant body, and respect was given to the intellectual
property of those who own the copyright. A critical appraisal approach was used to assess
the quality and credibility of any literature; this is to ensure only the highest quality of
literature. Avoidance of plagiarism was crucial, and attributing all data to relevant resources
ensures transparency on how said data was analysed and interpreted (Denney, Tewksbury,
2013).

As the author of this dissertation my positionality holds substantial relevance as a person

who’s had personal experiences with Premenstrual symptomology (PMS) (Smith et al.,
2021). This autoethnographic position gives me unique insight into the lives lived by
individuals with premenstrual symptoms, combining the research with empathy and a
greater understanding of the subject (Takacs, 2003). Whilst my connection to the topic is
intimate and motivates the exploration of its effects on mental health, I must ensure to be
most impartial so as not to allow potential biases from impeding the literature. With the use
of transparent reflexivity, I aim to maintain this balance, making certain the research
remains comprehensive, objective, and sensitive to the needs of those affected by PMS in
mental health.

2.8 Data analysis

Mapping the Literature: In a scoping review, my main goal is not to answer specific research
questions through detailed analysis of individual studies. Instead, I focus on mapping the
literature to identify the extent, range, and nature of available research on the topic. This
involves creating visual representations like flowcharts to illustrate how studies are
distributed across different themes, methodologies, and settings. Through this approach, I
provide a comprehensive overview of the existing literature and identify key patterns,
trends, and research gaps.

For the scoping review, a thematic analysis is a suitable data analysis method for this
dissertation due to its calibration with the research objectives and the essence of the data
collected. Thematic analysis as a qualitive approach, allows for an in-depth dive into the
complex and multidimensional experience of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) within the
context of mental health social work. By studying recurring patterns, themes and
perspectives within the literature, thematic analysis allows for a comprehensive overview of
the existing literature and practises related to PMS (Braun, Clarke, 2012).

With the blending of multiple theoretical frameworks such as, the interactive
biopsychosocial model, ecological systems theory, social constructivism and
intersectionality, thematic analysis allows for diverse perspectives and contextual factors
that impact the experiences individuals affected by PMS in mental health settings (Clarke,
Braun & Hayfield, 2015).

To conclude, thematic analysis is well adopted to analyse textual data from various sources,
including case studies, qualitative studies, research articles and evidence-based practice
guidelines allowing for the dissection and analysis of relevant data across different fields.
Due to the flexibility and systematic approach, thematic analysis supports the reader to gain
valuable insights, identify any gaps in the literature and inform practical strategies for
mental health social workers dealing with PMS- related symptoms (Liñán, Fayolle, 2015).

Chapter 3. Results

3.1 Overview of the included studies

For my research, I decided to merge my first two objectives for the scoping literature review
due to the fact they share a similar focus and are closely intwined in terms of the research
questions I aim to address. By connecting these objectives, I can ensure an in depth and
cohesive review of the literature on Premenstrual symptoms within mental health social
work and larger context in the social work profession.
Objective 1: Revisiting my first objective, is to calculate the scope and depth of literature on
Premenstrual symptoms within mental health social work.
Objective 2: My second objective is to comprehend how Premenstrual Symptoms are
considered in the broader social work profession. These two objectives have an emphasis on
exploring the existing literature related to Premenstrual Symptoms within the field of social
work. Whilst the opening objective specifically pinpoints mental health social work, the
second objective widens the scope to include the entire social work profession.

I decided to combine the objectives as they blend well together and provide a deeper
understanding of the topic I am researching. By incorporating them, I can analyse the
current literature on Premenstrual Symptoms in mental health social work and its wider
implications within social work as a profession in general. This approach allows me to
provide context, avoid redundancy, identify gaps and overlaps and offers a more
comprehensive view of the topic in my literature review.

It is, however, important to note that since I am undertaking different methodologies and
search strategies for my first two objectives (scoping literature review) and the third
objective (systematic review), I am highly likely two identify different sets of articles for each
objective. As per the scoping literature review, the aim is to provide an oversight of the
existing literature, encompassing a wide range of perspectives and sources on Premenstrual
Symptoms within mental health social work and the broader social work profession.
Contrastingly the systematic review will strive to identify specific interventions that have
been practically evaluated and have shown effectiveness in addressing Premenstrual
Symptoms from a psychological and psychiatric perspective.

For that reason, ensuring there are separate articles for each objective aligns with my
chosen methodologies and research questions, allowing me to widely explore multiple
aspects of Premenstrual Symptoms within mental health social work. - references

My third objective will be to conduct a systematic review to identify potential interventions

from other related fields or disciplines. This method allows for a thorough examination of
interventions not currently used in mental health social work but have effectively addressed
similar psychological and psychiatric consequences.

3.1.1 Scoping Literature Review Results (Objective 1 and 2)

After diligently adhering to the defined methodology and search criteria, the scoping
literature review was conducted and produced to explore the intersection of Premenstrual
Syndrome (PMS) and social work. Despite an extensive search across well-known academic
databases and sources, only two studies were found that directly address the relationship
between PMS and social work. The lack of relevant studies underlines the dire need for
further research to better understand social work's role in addressing issues posed by PMS
and similar conditions. I will discuss implications, and recommendations of the findings in
the next chapters followed by the integration with the systemic review.

Auth Method Objectives Key Sample/ Main Limitations

ors ology /Research Findings Participants Themes
Questions

Barry, Doctoral The aim of Large - The study -A lack of - Smaller sample size,
L., Dissertati this study amounts involved 50 understan which could limit
 2016 on is to of social current social ding and generalizability. - The
explore workers workers in knowledg study concentrated on
social had numerous e of PMS social workers in a
workers' limited settings who and PMDD certain region,
knowledge knowledg completed a amidst restraining its
of e and survey and took social applicability to other
Premenstr awarenes part in semi- workers. contexts. - Self-
ual s of PMS structured reported data may be
Syndrome and interviews subject to response
(PMS) and PMDD biases. - The study did
Premenstr not explore the
ual ramifications of social
Dysphoric workers' knowledge on
Disorder the quality of care
(PMDD) provided to mothers
and with PMS and PMDD.
identify its
implication
s for
assessmen
t practices
with
mothers.
More 1988 Journal This - The article - Not - Lack of information on
ll, C., Article article discussed the specifically the specific
1988 had necessity for mentioned methodology
designs social workers in the conducted in the article.
on to be aware of article. - Sample size and
presentin PMS and its characteristics not
g a social implications on provided. - The article
work women's lives. could lack empirical
response evidence and rely more
to on theoretical
Premenst perspectives. - The
rual scope of the article
Syndrom possibly may not cover
e (PMS) all aspects of PMS and
and its impact on women's
discuss mental health. - The
its article's conclusions are
implicatio not based on primary
ns for data collection.
practice.
Table 3.1: Summary of Studies Included in the Scoping Literature Review