Definition
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is an extension of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Although the two conditions can be quite similar in how they affect a patient, PMDD is generally much more severe. In some cases, it reaches a point that it interferes with daily life. It usually appears about a week before a woman’s period, becoming worse as the time draws closer, and may continue for a couple days afterwards before eventually fading away. If symptoms continue regardless of the menstrual cycle, it is not likely PMDD.
Risk Factors
As is the case with PMS, it is not currently known what causes PMDD. It affects up to 10% of women of childbearing age, and it appears that women who have a family history have a higher risk of experiencing …show more content…
Studies have suggested a direct link between low serotonin levels and PMDD. Serotonin serves as a messenger to certain brain cells and controls attention and mood. Therefore, it is thought that chronic shifts in serotonin might cause symptoms of PMDD.
Complications
The main complication of PMDD is the disruption of the woman’s life and the lives of those with whom she interacts. Anyone who is unprepared to handle it or does not know what it is may not understand that the woman is dealing with a medical condition. This can lead to conflicts and create rifts between the woman and her friends, family, and coworkers. Left untreated, PMDD can become debilitating and extend to negatively affect work habits and social activities.
Symptoms
PMDD can cause a range of physical symptoms. Women might experience breast tenderness, changes in eating and sleeping habits, bloating, and fatigue. PMDD differs from PMS in that it presents with at least one notable change in behavior that could include anxiety, tension, sadness, hopelessness, marked anger or irritability, extreme moodiness, or even thoughts of suicide. Additionally, women with PMDD might experience a lack of interest in their usual activities, binge eating, panic attacks, headaches, muscle or joint pain, acne, fluid retention, and feeling out of
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is an extension of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Although the two conditions can be quite similar in how they affect a patient, PMDD is generally much more severe. In some cases, it reaches a point that it interferes with daily life. It usually appears about a week before a woman’s period, becoming worse as the time draws closer, and may continue for a couple days afterwards before eventually fading away. If symptoms continue regardless of the menstrual cycle, it is not likely PMDD.
Risk Factors
As is the case with PMS, it is not currently known what causes PMDD. It affects up to 10% of women of childbearing age, and it appears that women who have a family history have a higher risk of experiencing …show more content…
Studies have suggested a direct link between low serotonin levels and PMDD. Serotonin serves as a messenger to certain brain cells and controls attention and mood. Therefore, it is thought that chronic shifts in serotonin might cause symptoms of PMDD.
Complications
The main complication of PMDD is the disruption of the woman’s life and the lives of those with whom she interacts. Anyone who is unprepared to handle it or does not know what it is may not understand that the woman is dealing with a medical condition. This can lead to conflicts and create rifts between the woman and her friends, family, and coworkers. Left untreated, PMDD can become debilitating and extend to negatively affect work habits and social activities.
Symptoms
PMDD can cause a range of physical symptoms. Women might experience breast tenderness, changes in eating and sleeping habits, bloating, and fatigue. PMDD differs from PMS in that it presents with at least one notable change in behavior that could include anxiety, tension, sadness, hopelessness, marked anger or irritability, extreme moodiness, or even thoughts of suicide. Additionally, women with PMDD might experience a lack of interest in their usual activities, binge eating, panic attacks, headaches, muscle or joint pain, acne, fluid retention, and feeling out of