Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Overview
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013. A woman with PMDD has severe symptoms of depression, irritability, and tension about a week before menstruation begins.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is similar to PMDD in that symptoms occur 7 to 10 days before a woman’s period begins. However, PMS involves fewer and less severe symptoms than PMDD.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is estimated to affect between 2 % to 6 % of women. For a diagnosis of PMDD, symptoms must have occurred in most of the menstrual cycles during the past year and must have an adverse effect on work or social functioning.
Common Symptoms
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anger
- Depressed mood
- Marked anxiety
- Tension
Physical Symptoms
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Joint or muscle pain
- A sensation of “bloating,” or weight gain
Treatment
PMDD can be treated with antidepressants, birth control pills, or nutritional supplements. Other things that can help include; diet and lifestyle changes, reducing caffeine, getting enough sleep and exercise and practicing relaxations techniques.Other Symptoms
- Decreased interest in usual activities
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of energy
- Easy fatigue
- Changes in appetite with specific food cravings
- Trouble sleeping
- Sleeping too much
- A sense of being overwhelmed or out of control
These symptoms begin a week to 10 days before the start of menstruation and improve or stop around the onset of menses. The symptoms lead to significant distress and problems with regular functioning or social interactions.