PMDD - meaning and definition
Alsopremenstrual dysphoric disordersevere PMS
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual distress in which depression, anxiety, anger or mood swings in the days before a period significantly disrupt life.
At a glance
- PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual distress that significantly disrupts life.
- It is thought to involve unusual brain sensitivity to normal hormonal changes, not abnormal hormone levels.
- Symptoms typically appear in the week or two before a period and lift within a few days of it starting.
- Diagnosis is usually based on tracking symptoms over at least two cycles.
- Certain antidepressants, some hormonal options and talking therapies help many people.
In detail
PMDD is thought to involve an unusual sensitivity in the brain to normal hormonal changes, rather than abnormal hormone levels. Symptoms typically appear in the week or two before a period and lift within a few days of it starting. For some people they include thoughts of self-harm.
Diagnosis is usually based on tracking symptoms over at least two cycles. Treatments that help many people include certain antidepressants, some hormonal options and talking therapies. Anyone whose mood becomes dangerous should seek urgent help rather than wait for the cycle to pass.
In a sentence
- After tracking her moods for two cycles, her doctor diagnosed PMDD.
- The support group is for people living with PMDD and their partners.
Where the word comes from
PMDD was recognised as a full diagnosis in the DSM-5 psychiatric manual in 2013, after earlier editions listed it only for further research.
Not to be confused with
- Premenstrual syndrome
PMS is common and usually milder; PMDD is a recognised, more disabling condition.
Common questions
Is PMDD just bad PMS?
It is related but more severe. In PMDD, mood symptoms such as depression, anxiety or anger are strong enough to significantly disrupt work, relationships or daily life, and for some people include thoughts of self-harm. It is a recognised medical condition that deserves proper care.
What should I do if PMDD makes me feel unsafe?
If your mood becomes dangerous, seek urgent help straight away, for example from emergency services or a crisis line, rather than waiting for the cycle to pass. For ongoing support, a doctor can discuss treatments such as certain antidepressants, hormonal options and talking therapies.