Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

This disorder should not be confused with premenstrual syndrome, which is much less intense.

While it is true that the hormonal changes typical of menstrual cycles have the capacity to influence a woman's mood, there is a condition in which these changes are very pronounced.

We are talking about premenstrual dysphoric disorder.We will talk about it throughout this article, as well as its symptoms, possible causes and treatment guidelines.

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), also known as severe premenstrual syndrome or severe premenstrual disorderPMS is a condition that only affects women and during which the patient may experience symptoms of severe depression, severe excitability and irritability, and tension approximately 7 to 10 days before the onset of the menstrual period.

This type of condition is considered an extension, with much more intense symptoms, of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Although in both the woman experiences a series of emotional and physical symptoms, in premenstrual dysphoric disorder these are significantly more intense, to the point that they can interfere with personal, social and occupational functioning.

It is estimated that this condition occurs in approximately 3-8% of women who menstruate regularly on a monthly basis. However, there is a great deal of controversy and disagreement, there is a great deal of controversy and disagreement surrounding PMDD.. The reason is that there are some professional sectors that defend the idea that in reality, women who suffer from it actually suffer from some other type of disorder that is magnified during these days prior to menstruation.

Symptomatology of PMDD

As mentioned above, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual dysphoric syndrome share a number of symptoms that differentiate them from other mood-related disorders.

However, the main difference between premenstrual the main difference between premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual syndrome is that while premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual dysphoric syndrome is that while premenstrual syndrome does not significantly interfere with the person's daily routine, PMDD presents a much more intense, pronounced and debilitating symptomatology.

The following is a list of the symptoms associated with PMDD. However, there is no single, common pattern of symptoms, but they may vary from one woman to another, both in incidence and severity.

Within this symptomatology we can distinguish between those symptoms or manifestations of a physical nature and the psychological symptoms of the condition.

1. Psychological symptoms

These symptoms include the following.

• Acute feelings of sadness and hopelessness, sometimes accompanied by suicidal ideations.
• Tension.
• Feelings of anxiety..
• Anhedonia or disinterest in social activity and relationships.
• Feeling of loss of control.
• Fluctuations in mood.
• Periods of crying.
• Panic attacks.
• Persistent irritability.
• Need for excessive ingestions or unhealthy foods.
• Alteration of concentration..
• Sleeping problems.

2. Physical symptoms

These are the most common physical symptoms.

• Breast tenderness.
• Headaches.
• Abdominal distention and gas.
• Muscle or joint pain.

What causes it?

At the moment there is no satisfactory answer to the question of what causes premenstrual dysphoric disorder. However, it is known that the hormonal alterations typical of these periods play an important role in it.

There are a number of factors that facilitate the occurrence of this disorder. Some of them are:

• Family history of PMDD.
• Consumption of caffeine in large quantities.
• Overweight.
• Alcoholism.
• Lack of physical exercise.

In addition, as mentioned above, there are a large number of cases in which menstrual dysphoric disorder is accompanied by the following psychological conditions:

• Emotional affective disorder.
• Major depression.
• Anxiety disorders.

How can it be diagnosed?

There are no diagnostic tests, neither physical nor psychological, that allow a direct and rapid evaluation of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. In order to make a successful diagnosis, which eliminates the possibility that the person suffers from some other type of psychological disorder, it is necessary to take a complete clinical history of the patient. This may be accompanied by a psychiatric evaluation and a series of physical examinations, such as a complete gynecological examination.

A very useful technique in the diagnosis of this type of condition is for the patient to carry out a self-assessment by means of a calendar or symptom diary. In this diary, a record can be kept of the most important symptoms, noting also when they appear and under what circumstances.

The idea is to keep this diary for at least two menstrual cycles in order to be able to determine the possible causes of the disorder and to elaborate a treatment more adjusted to the specific needs of the patient.

In the same way, this diary will favor a record of the evolution of the person throughout the treatment and will be able to see the results and achievements.

Treatment of PMDD

Once the diagnosis of PMDD has been made, it is very likely that the health care professional will initiate pharmacological treatment in order to reduce the intensity of the symptoms and thus reduce the levels of and thus reduce the levels of discomfort and give way to a possible psychological therapy.

This pharmacological therapy may include either the use of Antidepressant drugs such as fluoxetine or sertraline, which facilitate the reduction of emotional symptoms, as well as fatigue and sleeping problems, or the use of contraceptive pills with the intention of achieving a hormonal balance and, therefore, a better quality of life. hormonal and, therefore, emotional balance..

In addition, in some cases, nutritional supplements such as tryptophan, vitamin B6 or magnesium have also been effective in treating these same symptoms.

On the other hand, some studies suggest that the use of certain natural remedies such as chasteberry may help reduce symptoms of irritability, mood fluctuations or breast tenderness.

However, before starting any type of treatment, including the most natural one, it is necessary to consult a medical professional, it is necessary to consult with a medical professional which is the best option for the specific symptomatology of the patient.

Once the pharmacological treatment has been started, it is highly recommended to initiate psychological therapy to address the psychological problems of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and the possible complications it may cause in the patient's daily life.

Finally, changing daily habits to healthier ones will also have numerous beneficial effects on a person's health. These changes include the following guidelines:

• Balanced diet in which whole foods, fruits and vegetables predominate. As well as a decrease in the consumption of caffeine, energy and alcoholic beverages, sugars and salt.
• Performing aerobic exercise on a recurrent basis.
• Modification of sleep habits.