Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but symptoms are more severe. Symptoms include emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms in the week or two leading to a person’s period.
PMDD symptoms include depression, anxiety, or severe irritability a
This article breaks down the differences between the two conditions and outlines symptoms, treatment, and diagnosis.
People with either condition may experience physical, behavioral, emotional, or affective (psychological) symptoms that change the way they think and feel. However, the frequency and severity of these symptoms vary between the two conditions.
PMDD symptoms
PMDD symptoms are more severe than those of PMS and have a more significant impact on a person’s day-to-day life. Doctors and other experts classify PMDD as a depressive order.
According to the
Affective, or psychological, symptoms include:
- mood swings
- sudden sadness
- increased sensitivity to rejection
- anger
- irritability
- sense of hopelessness
- self-critical thoughts
- tension
- anxiety
- depressed mood
- suicidal thoughts
Physical and behavioral symptoms include:
- difficulty concentrating
- change in appetite, food cravings, and overeating
- diminished interest in usual activities
- easily tired and decreased energy
- feeling overwhelmed or out of control
- breast tenderness
- bloating
- weight gain
- joint or muscle aches
- sleeping too much or not sleeping enough
Learn more about the symptoms of PMDD here.
PMS symptoms
A person with PMS may or may not experience any affective or psychological symptoms. People with PMS may experience the following symptoms.
Mental and emotional symptoms
- fatigue or feeling tired
- irritability
- problems with sleeping too much or too little
- changes in appetite
- mood swings
- issues with memory or concentration
- anxiety
- decreased sex drive
- tension
- feeling sad, frequent crying or depression
Physical symptoms may include:
- diarrhea
- constipation
- swollen or tender breasts
- cramping
- lower tolerance for light or noise
- feeling bloated or gassy
- clumsiness
- headaches or backaches
Experts do not know the exact cause of PMDD and PMS. But
Hormone fluctuations may cause a serotonin deficiency. Known as the happy hormone, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can affect both mood and physical symptoms associated with PMDD and PMS.
In a
Treatments for PMDD and PMS are typically similar but depend on the severity of a person’s symptoms and whether they have any underlying health conditions.
PMDD treatments
Treatments for PMDD vary according to the symptoms, and some therapies work better for some people than others. If treatment does not succeed at first, a person should not give up and keep working on a treatment plan with their doctor.
A doctor may suggest one or more of the following to help alleviate PMDD symptoms:
- increasing sleep
- not smoking
- eating healthily
- acupuncture
- oral contraceptives
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- mood stabilizers
- gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists
Learn more about acupuncture here.
PMS treatments
In some cases, a person may be able to alleviate PMS symptoms at home with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medications, regular exercise, and a healthy diet.
According to the
- antidepressants
- hormonal birth control
- water pills
- anti-anxiety medication
Home care is an integral part of PMDD and PMS management.
Though PMDD symptoms are more severe than PMS, a combination of home care methods and other therapies could help a person effectively manage PMDD.
Many people with PMS notice a difference in symptoms when they change aspects of their diet or practice stress management techniques.
Home care methods that help alleviate PMS or PMDD symptoms
- not smoking
- eating a healthy diet
- getting regular exercise
- managing stress
- getting about 8 hours of sleep each night
- OTC pain medications, such as ibuprofen
According to the
For a doctor to diagnose PMDD, a person must have
A doctor may also take into account:
- symptoms that interfere with home, school, or work-life
- symptoms that are not related to or exacerbated by another medical condition
A person likely has PMS or PMDD if:
- symptoms end a few days into the period
- symptoms present 5 days before a period for at least three menstrual cycles in a row
- symptoms prevent enjoyment or participation in everyday activities
The main difference between PMDD and PMS is the severity and type of symptoms a person experiences. For example, someone with PMDD may experience more affective symptoms more often than someone who doesn’t have it. These symptoms include depressed mood or mood swings days before their period starts.
A person should talk to their doctor if they are experiencing PMDD or PMS symptoms that interfere with their daily lives. A doctor should be able to help distinguish between the two conditions and suggest a treatment plan.
Keeping a journal of symptoms can help a doctor reach a diagnosis, especially if the symptoms are severe and regular enough to indicate PMDD.
A person should also talk with their doctor if their symptoms worsen or treatment is no longer effective, as they can make adjustments to the treatment plan.
If a person, family member, or friend expresses thoughts of suicide, they should contact emergency services or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately.
PMDD and PMS are similar conditions. PMDD is a more extreme form of PMS that may require additional therapy. Pain relief medication and hormonal birth control may help prevent or reduce some of the symptoms.
If a person’s life is adversely affected in the week or two leading up to their period, they should talk to their doctor about possible treatment options.
It may take a while for someone to find an effective treatment plan, so they must stay in touch with their doctor and provide updates on what works well and what does not.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.