PMDD Symptoms and signs

The symptoms of PMDD are similar to those of PMS, but they are generally more severe and debilitating. Symptoms occur during the last week of most menstrual cycles and usually improve within a few days after the period starts. According to the research criteria in the DSM-IV, a woman may have PMDD if she has five or more of the following symptoms during the week before menstruating for most of her menstrual cycles in the last year.

The symptoms of PMDD are as follows:

• Hypersomnia or insomnia
• Feeling nervous, anxious, and irritable
• marked depressed mood, and mood lability (crying spells for no reason)
• Feeling of sadness or hopelessness, possible suicidal thoughts
• Trouble concentrating
• Panic Attacks
• Decreased interest in usual activities
• Marked appetite change, overeating, food cravings
• lack of energy

Physical symptoms of PMMD are as follows:

• bloating,
• breast tenderness,
• weight gain,
• headaches, and
• joint or muscle pain

These symptoms can affect your relationships and work ability. If you have some of these symptoms 10 to 14 days before your period and they improve when your period starts, you might have PMDD.

The symptoms of PMDD may resemble other conditions or medical problems, such as a thyroid condition, depression, or an anxiety disorder. Consult a physician for diagnosis.

Most experts insist that daily self-ratings by the patient for two or more menstrual cycles must be completed before a PMDD diagnosis can be confirmed. "It's the timing of the symptoms that makes a difference," Hartlage notes. "And very few women, if they are rating their symptoms every day, have symptoms as severe as required

PMDD Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - Learn about basics of PMDD, some statistics related to PMDD and its diagnosis criterion.

PMDD Information - "Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder" (PMDD) is a real biological condition for which women seek treatment--and for which effective treatment is available.

PMDD Treatment - Treatments include medication, lifestyle changes, supportive psychotherapy and nutritional approches.

PMDD Medication - To treat the emotional symptoms of PMDD (e.g., depression, tearfulness, mood swings, anxiety, anger, irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating), the majority of experts recommend antidepressant medications.

PMDD Symptoms - Symptoms occur during the last week of most menstrual cycles and usually improve within a few days after the period starts.

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