Vicky Pattison Confronts Online Trolls Over PMDD Diagnosis Claims
Reality television star Vicky Pattison has issued a defiant response to online trolls who have accused her of fabricating her diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The 38-year-old former Geordie Shore personality took to Instagram to address the allegations directly, following years of suffering from the severe condition.
Defiant Social Media Post Addresses Abuse
Pattison shared a video on her Instagram account showing her dancing in her bedroom while wearing a blue jumpsuit, accompanied by text overlays detailing the abusive comments she has received since publicly discussing her PMDD diagnosis. The captions included statements such as "Another celeb creating an illness just to stay relevant" and "The majority of us suffer. Just get on with it".
In her caption, Pattison wrote: "You've got to laugh... But also, respectfully f*** all the way off." This post came after she revealed that she was diagnosed with PMDD four years ago, following severe symptoms including crippling cramps, anxiety, and depression that significantly impacted her daily life.
Understanding PMDD and Its Impact
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is recognized by the NHS as a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects a small percentage of women. The condition can cause:
- Extremely intense emotional and physical symptoms
- Notable negative impacts on everyday functioning
- Severe anxiety and depression episodes
- Physical discomfort including debilitating cramps
Pattison has disclosed that her symptoms are sometimes so severe that they prevent her from getting out of bed, creating what she describes as a "PMDD fog" that clouds her ability to function normally.
Medical Journey and Diagnosis Challenges
The reality star revealed that her path to diagnosis was fraught with challenges. She reported being dismissed by doctors who suggested weight loss as a solution and told her that "other women handle PMS better." It was only after consulting a private medical professional that Pattison received her PMDD diagnosis and began seeking appropriate treatment.
This experience highlights the difficulties many women face when seeking recognition and treatment for menstrual-related health conditions, particularly those that involve significant mental health components.
Fan Support and Public Response
Following her Instagram post, Pattison received overwhelming support from fans and followers who praised her for speaking openly about her condition. One supporter commented: "If it wasn't for you speaking up about PMDD I wouldn't have known about it and got the support and understanding I so desperately needed for years."
Another fan added: "Proud of you for talking and educating people about the realities of PMDD, you're helping so many people and you can't please everyone." This response underscores the importance of public figures discussing health challenges to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
Personal Concerns and Future Projects
Pattison has expressed concerns about how her PMDD might affect her potential future as a parent. In an interview with Closer magazine, she stated: "I worry what type of mum it will make me. It's a very real concern. You see yourself as being this fun mother who's reading stories and making sourdough from scratch or whatever. But, when I'm in the trenches of my PMDD fog, I can barely get out of bed."
The television personality is currently promoting her new two-part E4 series Maybe, Baby? scheduled to premiere on March 31, in which she discusses parenthood with her husband, Ercan Ramadan. Despite the online abuse, Pattison continues to use her platform to advocate for greater understanding of menstrual health conditions and challenge the stigma surrounding women's health issues.
