What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

PMDD is a severe form of a common problem called premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. About 75% of women of childbearing age have some PMS problems. About 2% to 10% of women in this age group have PMDD.

How do I know if I have PMDD?

The symptoms of PMDD are:

• Sadness and crying
• Feeling nervous or anxious
• Anger or irritability
• Strong cravings for certain foods
• Problems paying attention and concentrating
• Fatigue
• Physical problems such as breast tenderness, headaches, joint or muscle pain and swelling or bloating
• Trouble sleeping

These symptoms can affect your relationships and work ability. If you have some of these symptoms 10 to 14 days before your period and they improve when your period starts, you might have PMDD. Your family doctor can help you find out for sure.

What causes PMDD?

The exact cause of PMDD is not known. Changes in hormones related to your period may cause PMDD. Stressful life events and a family history of PMS or PMDD may increase your chances of getting PMDD. Major depression is common in women who have PMDD. However, not all women who have PMDD have major depression.

How does my doctor find out if I have PMDD?

Your doctor will check your symptoms and the way they relate to your menstrual cycle. You might fill out a symptom chart for several weeks. There is no test that can diagnose PMDD.

Daily Symptom Report

Severity scoring for each symptom:

0 = No symptom

1= Minimal or slightly apparent to you

2 = Moderate, awareness of symptom but does not affect your daily routine

3 = A lot, continuously bothered by the symptom and/or symptoms interferes with your daily routine

4 = Severe, symptom is overwhelming and/or unable to carry out your daily routine

Day 1 is first day of menses

Adapted with permission from Freeman EW, DeRubeis RJ, Rickels K. Reliability and validity of a daily diary for premenstrual syndrome. Psychiatry Res 1996;65:97-106. 

How is PMDD treated?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms are and will discuss different treatments with you. For mild to moderate symptoms, your doctor may suggest changes in your diet and lifestyle. You might talk to a counselor about your PMDD symptoms and life stresses. Medicines may help with severe symptoms.

What medicines are helpful?

Certain medicines used to treat depression also treat PMDD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) help by increasing the effect of a brain chemical called serotonin.

Does that mean I have depression?

No. These medicines work for both conditions.

How often do I have to take these medicines?

Some of these medicines you take for 10 to 14 days before each period.

What if these medicines do not work?

Your doctor knows about other treatments. After talking with you, your doctor might have you try something else.

• Do I have PMDD or PMS?
• What is the difference between PMDD and PMS?
• What treatment is best for me?
• Will I have to take medicine until menopause?
• Could I also have depression?
• What are the side effects of my medicine?
• How long will I have to take my medicine?
• Is there anything I can do at home to help myself?