What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?
It is a disorder that presents itself a week or two before the start of menstruation and results in severe irritability, anxiety and depression [1].
Symptoms
While many women may experience premenstrual symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue and trouble sleeping, PMDD’s symptoms are much more severe and inhabilitating.
According to DSM-5, they include [2]:
- Lasting irritability or anger that may result in interpersonal conflict, and/or
- Feelings of sadness or despair, including thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide, and/or
- Feelings of tension or anxiety, including panic attacks, and/or
- Mood swings or tearfulness
- In addition to any of the following symptoms:
- Diminished interest in usual activities and relationships
- Trouble thinking or focusing
- Tiredness or low energy
- Food cravings or binge eating
- Troubles with sleeping (sleeping very much or very little)
- Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
- Physical symptoms, such as cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain
Formal Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with PMDD, at least 5 of the aforementioned symptoms must be present — in the final week before menstruation starts in most menstrual cycles; begin to improve within a few days after menstruation starts; and become minimal or absent in the week after menstruation ends.
While the exact cause of PMDD has yet to be found, it is believed to be linked to abnormalities in hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.
References:
[1] National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2017). Table 1, Diagnostic Criteria for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279045/table/premenstrual-syndrom.table1diag/.
[2] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
