Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is an affective disorder that can be described as a severe form of PMS that interferes with a person’s every-day functioning (9). It was first included in appendix B of DSM-IV. However, based on thorough review, it was decided that the diagnosis, treatment and validation of the disorder were thorough enough to qualify for a full category in the DSM-V (8, 9).
Onset & early signs and symptoms:
Diagnosis of PMDD is based on the severity of symptoms and the number of symptoms present (10). The onset of PMDD occurs in the premenstrual phase but after the mid-cycle. This is also known as the luteal stage of the menstrual cycle (9). The symptoms have to remit more than two days after the beginning of …show more content…
Studies have found a direct correlation between women who had a history of PTSD and PMDD. The results concluded that women who had a history of PTSD were the most likely to experience PMDD in their lifetime (11). In addition, women who had not been previously diagnosed with PTSD but admitted to experiencing a traumatic event such as sexual abuse or a severe accident are also at higher risk of developing PMDD (11, …show more content…
Possible reasoning for this may be the result of increased GP visits, cost of medications, lost workdays due to experience of symptoms and cost of childcare during appointments or inability to adequately function socially (6). However, the main cause of this economic burden was found to be due to a decrease in productivity at work (6, 10). A study by Dean and Borenstein (2004) found that women with PMDD experienced more days absent from work and less productivity than women without PMDD (6).
By providing these women with the symptom diary, it will aid in financial circumstances as they will have a substantial amount of information regarding their illness for their GP to analyse on their first visit, which may aid in diagnoses and potentially reduce GP visits and time away from work (10). This may also improve social relationships as the patient can commence a treatment plan earlier, which may improve their overall quality of life (5,