Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: symptoms and treatment

While it is true that the typical hormonal changes of menstrual cycles have the ability to influence in the state of mind of the woman, there is a condition in which these changes are presented in a very accused.

We talk about premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which we will talk about throughout this article; as well as its symptoms, possible causes and treatment guidelines.

• Related article: "The 16 most common mental disorders"

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

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

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

It is estimated that this condition occurs approximately between 3 and 8% of women who menstruate monthly and regularly. Nevertheless, there is a lot of controversy and disagreement around PMDD. The reason is that there are some professional sectors that defend the idea that in reality, the women who actually suffer from some other type of disorder that is magnified during these days before menstruation.

PMDD symptoms

As previously mentioned, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual dysphoric syndrome share a series of symptoms that differentiates them from other mood-related disturbances.

Nevertheless, the main difference between premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual syndrome lies in the fact that while PMS does not significantly interfere with the routine of the person, while PMDD presents much more intense, pronounced and debilitating.

Below is a list of symptoms associated with PMDD. However, there is no single and common pattern of symptoms, but these can 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

Among these symptoms we find the following.

• Acute feelings of sadness and hopelessness sometimes accompanied by suicidal ideation.
• Strain.
• feeling of anxiety.
• Anhedonia or disinterest in activity and social relationships.
• Feeling of loss of control.
• Fluctuations in mood.
• Crying periods.
• Panic attacks.
• persevering irritability.
• Need for excessive intakes or unhealthy foods.
• Concentration disturbance.
• Sleeping problems.

2. physical symptoms

These are the most common physical symptoms.

• breast tenderness.
• headaches.
• Bloating and gas.
• Muscle or joint pain.

What causes does it have?

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

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

• Family history of PMDD.
• Caffeine consumption in great 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.
• Eager pictures.

How can it be diagnosed?

There are no diagnostic tests, either physical or psychological, that allow for a direct and rapid assessment of PMDD. 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 medical history of the patient. This may be accompanied by a psychiatric evaluation and a series of physical examinations such as a complete gynecological exam.

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

The idea is to keep this diary for at least two menstrual cycles in order to determine the possible causes of the disorder and develop a treatment more tailored 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 of it reflected.

PMDD Treatment

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

This pharmacological therapy may well include the use of antidepressant drugs such as fluoxetine or sertraline, which facilitate the reduction of emotional symptoms, as well as fatigue and problems for sleeping; or resort to birth control pills with the intention of achieve a 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 decrease symptoms of irritability, mood fluctuations, or sensitivity mammary.

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

Once the pharmacological treatment is started, it is highly recommended to start a psychological therapy through which to address the psychological problems of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and the possible complications that this causes in the day to day of the patient.

Finally, changing daily habits for healthier ones will also generate numerous beneficial effects on the 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 drinks, sugars and salt.
• Performing aerobic exercise on a recurring basis.
• Modification of sleep habits.