Olivia Bennet

Cohorts: 20s-30s

Condition: PMDD, Androgen-secreting ovarian/adrenal tumour

Snapshot

Name: Olivia Bennet
Age range: 27
Life stage: Reproductive years
Location: London
Occupation: Account manager at a PR agency
Relationship and family context: Lives with flatmates; in a long-term relationship; career-focused but struggling to keep up socially and professionally due to health

Health Context

Relevant condition(s): Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Density of condition(s): Affects ~5% of women
Key symptoms experienced: Severe mood swings, anxiety, irritability, lethargy, loss of interest in hobbies, social withdrawal, insomnia, intrusive negative thoughts; standard PMS symptoms (bloating, cramps, skin breakouts)
Severity and duration: Symptoms intensify in the 2 weeks before her period, minimal in the week after; highly disruptive to daily functioning
Diagnosed or suspected: Initially misdiagnosed as PMS; recently began suspecting PMDD after tracking symptoms
Current treatments or management: Painkillers, exercise, “self-care” rituals, occasional therapy sessions; no structured treatment yet
Comorbidities or related factors: Anxiety disorder; relationship strain due to irritability and social withdrawal

Triggers and barriers

Main triggers that worsen symptoms: High-pressure work deadlines, alcohol at social events, lack of sleep, stress
Barriers to seeking care: Misdiagnosis as PMS; feels clinicians donʼt take her seriously; no simple diagnostic blood test
Information gaps and misconceptions: Thinks itʼs just “severe PMS”; unaware of DRSP chart or PMDD-specific diagnostic criteria; hasn’t connected suicidal thoughts to a cyclical cause
Emotional drivers and concerns: Feels trapped by monthly cycle; fears career and relationship breakdown; scared by severity of mood swings

Goals and needs

Primary health goals: Achieve recognition and diagnosis; manage symptoms with clinical support and lifestyle strategies
Secondary lifestyle goals: Stay consistent at work; maintain relationship without cycles of withdrawal and conflict; reclaim social confidence
What “better” looks like to them: Feeling in control of emotions; being able to plan her month without fear of “losing” two weeks; validated by a medical diagnosis

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