What is PMDD?
What is PMDD?
PMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. It is a diagnosed mental health illness that involves both emotional and physical symptoms that occur before menstruation. It is a more severe and disabling form of PMS, where mood changes predominate. Symptoms occur in relation to the second half of the menstrual cycle. They begin 7 to 14 days before the onset of menstruation, (which falls during the luteal phase - week 3 and 4 of the cycle). Symptoms typically resolve within a few days after the start of the menstrual flow and are completely resolved during the week that follows. These symptoms also have to be present during most cycles and interfere with daily life.
Symptoms can include
Depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, suicidal ideation
Anxiety, tension, irritability, anger
Persistent anger, irritability or increase interpersonal conflicts
Sense of overwhelm, feeling suddenly tearful
Increased sensitivity to rejection
Decreased interest in activities you usually enjoy
Fatigue, lack of energy
Decreased concentration
Disturbed sleep (increased need for sleep, or cannot sleep)
Changes in appetite, cravings
Physical symptoms: breast tenderness, headaches, bloating, muscle/joint pain, abdominal cramps
Diagnosis
PMDD was added to the DSM - V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders) in 2013. PMDD is diagnosed based on clinical criteria listed in the DSM-5, which includes a detailed history of the patient's symptoms and the timing of their occurrence in relation to their menstrual cycle. Healthcare professionals may also perform physical exams, blood tests, or imaging tests to rule out other potential causes or contributing factors. It's important to note that there are currently no laboratory tests, such as blood, urine, or saliva tests, that can diagnose PMDD definitively.
If you think you are struggling with PMDD please reach out to a health care professional that is highly educated in the area.
Resource and more infomation at the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders - Think you have PMDD? Read more here
What causes PMDD?
Learn more about the causes of PMDD (check out my other blog post)
Don't suffer in silence - reach out and take charge of your PMDD journey today
