Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder
I talk with most clients about how their menstrual cycle impacts their lives. It is important to know about Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder and how it might be impacting your life. The Journal of Women’s Health & Gender-Based Medicine says : The key characteristics of PMDD, are clear onset and offset of symptoms closely linked to the menstrual cycle and the prominence of symptoms such as anger, irritability, and internal tension. These were contrasted with those of known mood and anxiety disorders. PMDD displays a distinct clinical picture that, in the absence of treatment, is remarkably stable from cycle to cycle and over time.
The Difference Between Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
The Difference Between Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is that PMDD can disrupt your relationships, social life, work. PMS refers to the symptoms that occur one to two weeks before a person starts bleeding. A PMDD diagnosis requires that a person have five symptoms on the list below, including at least one of the first four(from MedicineNet.com) :
- markedly depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, or self-deprecating thoughts (thoughts of being “harsh” on herself, feeling like she is worthless);
- significant anxiety or tension;
- marked swings in emotions (for example, becoming tearful easily and frequently);
- persistent and pronounced anger or irritability, or increased conflicts with other people;
- decreased interest in usual activity;
- difficulty concentrating;
- sluggishness, easy fatigue, lack of energy;
- substantial change in appetite, food cravings, overeating;
- excessive sleeping or insomnia; and
- physical symptoms such as breast pain, bloating, or headaches.
Keeping Track of Symptoms and Severity of Symptoms
Keeping track of symptoms and the severity of symptoms can be helpful. A written diary is a great way to do so, or an App on your smart phone is a convenient way to enter information that can be hard to manage. It prompts the user to enter information about bleeding, pain, emotions, diet, exercise and illness. After a few cycles a pattern may emerge that can inform decisions you make about how to take care of yourself all month long. The app can be found at https://helloclue.com/