So what is PMDD? PMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. No one knows the exact cause of PMDD, but there are a few theories of what causes it. Women with PMDD are hormone sensitive to the fluctuating hormone levels that occur every month. PMDD is not PMS; it’s PMS “on steroids.” According to the U.S Department of Health, over 90% of women experience premenstrual symptoms while PMDD affects up to 5% of women of reproductive age. While both PMS and PMDD have …show more content…
Over the course of a year, during the menstrual cycles, 5 or more of the following symptoms must be present. These symptoms occur the week or two before your period begins and disappear within a few days of the onset of bleeding:
Criteria to be diagnosed with PMDD:
-Markedly depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, thoughts of suicide or self-deprecating thoughts (more than just feeling sad or "blue")
-Marked anxiety or tension (feeling "keyed up" or "on edge")
-Marked affective lability (severe mood swings, feeling like Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde; feeling suddenly sad or extremely sensitive to rejection)
-Persistent and marked anger or irritability or increased interpersonal conflicts
-Decreased interest in usual activities (work, school, friends, hobbies)
-Subjective sense of difficulty concentrating
-Lethargy, easy fatigability, or marked lack of