What Is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder PMDD?

Most everyone has heard of PMS, sometimes also referred to as PMT. Most people also know that the acronym stands for premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual tension and refers to the emotional and psychological changes that many women experience in the weeks leading up to their period. However, many people don't know what PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder is, and can only assume that it is something akin to PMS or PMT.

This conjecture is mostly correct. As a matter of fact, premenstrual dysphoric disorder is also a series of symptoms a woman might experience in the two weeks before the onset of menses. By that definition, it seems to be extremely similar to PMS. However, the difference lies in the severity of the symptoms.

With premenstrual dysphoric disorder similar changes happen in the body that occur for many women, but they are experienced at a much higher level. Moodiness and irritability turns more easily to anger and loss of control. Unhappiness sometimes dips much lower to feelings of deep sadness or despair. Anxiety can lead to all out panic attacks.

All of these extreme symptoms (or one or more of them) might be experienced right along with the cramping and bloating, headaches, insomnia, and other symptoms common to PMS. For women experiencing PMDD, it becomes extremely difficult, and usually impossible to continue with social, family, and occupational responsibilities in a consistent way.

Because this premenstrual dysphoric syndrome is so severe, it can sometimes be confused with a more typical case of depression or anxiety disorder. In order to rule this possibility out, doctors will ask a woman to keep track of her feelings and symptoms during the course of two or more cycles. If symptoms occur only during two weeks of the month, and relief comes during the first day or two of bleeding, it is almost surely due to the dysphoric disorder.

So what can be done about PMDD? Much as with PMS, diet and exercise can have an impact on the degree to which symptoms are experienced. Eating regularly, every three hours, healthy, filling foods, such as whole grain carbohydrates and good proteins, fruits and vegetables can help maintain good blood sugar levels, which will help to keep moods more even. Avoiding too much salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol is also recommended. Exercise has also been proven to be a natural mood enhancer and is also a great stress reliever.

All of these lifestyle changes are simple, but can go a long way toward helping you feel better. They will also give you a boost in self esteem as you know you are taking care of your body. However, with some extreme cases, symptoms may still be very difficult to deal with.

If symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD are severe, consultation with a doctor is necessary. Often they will prescribe an antidepressant to be taken during the troubling weeks, or possibly throughout the cycle. Working with your doctor, you will be able to find help and relief with the symptoms that keep you from functioning normally.

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