Premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD, is a cyclic, hormone-based mood disorder, commonly considered a severe and disabling form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). While up to 85% of women experience PMS, only around 5% of women are diagnosed with PMDD, according to a study in the American Journal of Psychiatry. While the core symptoms of PMDD relate to depressed mood and anxiety, behavioral and physical symptoms also occur. To receive a diagnosis of PMDD, a woman must have experienced symptoms during most of the menstrual cycles of the past year and these symptoms must have had an adverse effect on work or social functioning. Experts don’t know why some women get PMDD. Decreasing levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones after ovulation and before menstruation may trigger symptoms. Serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood, hunger and sleep, may also play a role. Serotonin levels, like hormone levels, change throughout your menstrual cycle.

What is the difference between PMDD and PMS? Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more serious condition than premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The symptoms present with PMS do not generally interfere with everyday function and are less severe in their intensity. While it is normal for women to experience fluctuation in mood in the days leading up to menstruation, the psychological symptoms of severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts do not occur with PMS. For the symptoms of PMDD related to mood and anxiety, a group of antidepressants named selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be prescribed; sertraline, fluoxetine, and paroxetine hydrochloride have all been approved by the FDA as medications which may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.

The symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) typically reoccur each month prior to and during menstruation. Symptoms usually begin 7-10 days prior to menstruation and decrease in intensity within a few days of the period beginning. Symptoms disappear completely until the next premenstrual phase. APA