Online PMDD Quiz

Thank you for taking our PMDD quiz! Below is a little bit more information about PMDD as well as links to mental health professionals who can help you.

What is PMDD?

Premenstrual Dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, is a much more severe form of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. PMDD is a severe and chronic medical condition that requires attention and treatment from a trained medical professional.

Symptoms of PMDD

Typically, symptoms of PMDD occur about a week prior to the start of a woman's period each month, although that can start earlier or later. Below are some common symptoms of PMDD:

Moodiness

• Agitation
• Anger
• Crying spells
• Forgetfulness
• A loss of interest in activities or relationships
• Irritability
• Paranoia
• Depression
• Sadness
• Thoughts of suicide

Some physical symptoms of PMDD include:

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Bloating
• Back pain
• Acne
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Lower sex drive
• Muscle or joint pain
• muscle spasms
• Painful cramps
• Painful periods

DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), or DSM-5, outlines that premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) must meet the following criteria:

Timing of symptoms

A) In the majority of menstrual cycles, at least 5 symptoms must be present in the final week before the onset of menses, start to improve within a few days after the onset of menses, and become minimal or absent in the week postmenses

Symptoms

B) One or more of the following symptoms must be present:

1. Marked affective lability (e.g., mood swings, feeling suddenly sad or tearful, or increased sensitivity to rejection)
2. Marked irritability or anger or increased interpersonal conflicts
3. Markedly depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, or self-deprecating thoughts
4. Marked anxiety, tension, and/or feelings of being keyed up or on edge

C) One (or more) of the following symptoms must additionally be present to reach a total of 5 symptoms when combined with symptoms from criterion B above

1. Decreased interest in usual activities
2. Subjective difficulty in concentration
3. Lethargy, easy fatigability, or marked lack of energy
4. Marked change in appetite; overeating or specific food cravings
5. Hypersomnia or insomnia
6. A sense of being overwhelmed or out of control
7. Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or swelling; joint or muscle pain, a sensation of “bloating” or weight gain

Severity

D) The symptoms are associated with clinically significant distress or interference with work, school, usual social activities, or relationships with others.

E) Consider Other Psychiatric Disorders The disturbance is not merely an exacerbation of the symptoms of another disorder, such as major depressive disorder, panic disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) or a personality disorder (although it may co-occur with any of these disorders).

Confirmation of the disorder

F) Criterion A should be confirmed by prospective daily ratings during at least 2 symptomatic cycles (although a provisional diagnosis may be made prior to this confirmation)Exclude other Medical Explanations

G) The symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., drug abuse, medication or other treatment) or another medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism).

PMDD Treatment

PMDD can be treated in a few ways:

Lifestyle Changes

For some women with PMDD, lifestyle changes can make a big difference in reducing symptoms. Lifestyle changes can include:

• Exercising regularly
• Cutting back on sweets and snacks
• Lowering your stress through yoga, meditation, or other method
• Eating healthier foods that increase levels of tryptophan, a chemical in your body that makes serotonin.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is commonly used to treat PMDD. CBt helps you develop new behaviors and thought patterns to help you better navigate your specific situations. These tools can help you when your mood starts to feel sad or depressed before your period.

Medication

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are a type of antidepressant that are considered the main type of medication used for PMDD.

Getting Help with PMDD

If you need help, there is hope! Reach out to a mental health professional that treats PMDD.