Premenstrual dysphoric disorder occurs in a small percentage of menstruating women, and is often confused with PMS. While PMS and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is similar in its symptoms, they are not the same condition. While the symptoms of PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder are very similar, the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder are more intense.
What are the symptoms and treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
While PMS is a common scapegoat for women who happen to be feeling “moody” during their menstrual cycle, premenstrual dysphoric disorder is no laughing matter. The symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder include marked anger and irritability, mood swings, feeling overwhelmed, and a change in appetite. These may seem identical to symptoms associated with PMS; the differentiating factor is the intensity. A woman experiencing these symptoms to the degree that it affects her ability to function in the workplace is commonplace with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Most regular bouts with PMS is not something that shuts a woman down in such a fashion.
It is unknown what causes premenstrual dysphoric disorder. However, research does suggest that it may have something to do with a lowering in serotonin levels during a woman’s menstrual cycle. Also women with family histories that include postpartum depression are considered to be at risk of having premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder can include changes in diet, exercise, and in severe cases, medication. Diet changes to help treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder include avoiding alcohol, caffeine, salt, and refined sugar. Medications used in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder are generally one of two types; anti-anxiety such as Xanax or Valium, or antidepressants including Paxil or Zoloft. It is also believed that hormone treatment may be beneficial to some women experiencing symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder can be a debilitating condition to women experiencing its symptoms. It can make social interaction extremely difficult at best. In addition to its nature, premenstrual dysphoric disorder can also impact a woman physically. Bloating, extreme cramps, fatigue and difficulty concentrating are hard to overcome for some women experiencing them.
If you are experiencing these symptoms in a frequent intense fashion, your physician can assist you in coping with your condition. Whether it be with counseling, medications, or changes in diet (or a combination of all) your physician will be able to guide you in the appropriate direction. In some cases, it can be helpful to consult a mental health professional for coping skills. All cases of premenstrual dysphoric disorder are different and symptoms vary from woman to woman. For this reason, it is important to consult your physician for a personalized treatment and diagnosis.
