Vicky Pattison, the 2015 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!' winner and current contestant on 'Strictly Come Dancing', has revealed a devastating diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The 35-year-old spoke to Health Secretary Wes Streeting on 27 October, calling for better funding and an end to 'medical misogyny' in female reproductive health care.
In an interview with Heat magazine, Pattison described being dismissed by doctors for a decade. 'I spent the best part of the last 10 years thinking I was descending into madness, being told by doctors there was nothing wrong with me,' she said. PMDD, a severe form of PMS, can cause symptoms including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
Before 'Strictly' began, Pattison admitted feeling 'a lot of anxiety' and broke down in tears at a press day. 'I'm just out of my comfort zone and it's really scary,' she told Mail Online. She also spoke of imposter syndrome and deep-rooted self-doubt.
Pattison has praised 'Strictly' for its support during her PMDD battles. 'It affects me in the 10 days before my period. That is panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia, exhaustion and in some moments, there can be suicidal thoughts,' she said. 'Strictly take things into consideration.'
