PMS Depression or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS and is diagnosed by the pattern of PMDD symptoms. PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is a group of approximately 150 different symptoms that happen in the 2 weeks prior to the start of a woman’s period. The PMDD symptoms can be both physical and emotional and are very real and prompt many women to find an effective PMDD treatment.
PMDD symptoms were once thought to be hysterical and only in the mind of the woman, but after years of research scientists have found that over 50 million women suffer from these PMDD symptoms each month. PMDD symptoms, including PMS depression, can significantly interfere with social, occupational and sexual functioning.
For a diagnosis of PMDD to be made, the woman must have a symptom-free period during her follicular phase of the menstrual cycle to distinguish it from other pre-existing anxiety and mood disorders.
The symptoms of PMDD and depression have considerable overlap. Approximately 30-75% of the women diagnosed with PMDD also have a lifetime history of depression, compared to the 15% of women without PMDD who suffer from depression.
Despite this many women with PMDD may not have PMS depression symptoms; therefore PMDD should not be considered a simple variant of a depression disorder.
Symptoms of PMDD must be present in the week prior to a woman’s period and must be relieved when menses starts. The American Psychiatric Association lists 11 potential PMDD symptoms in the DSM IV (Diagnostic Manual). These PMDD symptoms are:
1. Feeling sad, hopeless, or self-deprecating
2. Feeling tense, anxious, or “on edge”
3. Marked lability of mood interspersed with frequent tearfulness
4. Persistent irritability, anger, and increased interpersonal conflicts
5. Decreased interest in usual activities, which may be associated with withdrawal from social relationships
6. Difficulty concentrating
7. Feeling fatigued, lethargic, or lacking in energy
8. Marked changes in appetite, which may be associated with binge eating or craving certain foods
9. Hypersomnia or insomnia
10. A subjective feeling of being overwhelmed or out of control
11. Other physical symptoms, such as breast tenderness or swelling, headaches, joint or muscle pain, a sensation of bloating, weight gain
The goals of PMDD treatment are to reduce the PMDD symptoms and improve the patient’s occupational function. Lifestyle changes that often help to relieve symptoms of PMDD are increasing aerobic exercise, decreasing caffeine and reducing sodium intake.
Psychosocial stressors should also be addressed since stress is known to alter brain chemistry and stress related hormonal activity.
Seritoninergic antidepressants are the first line pharmacological treatment for severe PMDD.
Inducing annovulation and amenorrhea has also been shown to provide significant relief of PMDD symptoms with PMS depression. However, these medications can also induce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and fatigue.
The diagnosis and PMDD treatment plan of PMS Depression and PMDD Symptoms should be done by both the woman and her physician. Only the woman can determine the extent that the PMDD symptoms affect her daily life and how she can incorporate the treatment plan into her life.
Editor’s note: Our editors have found and tested a very effective remedy in the treatment of PMDD symptoms and PMS depression. Femalite is a natural, safe and effective liquid herbal formula especially for women and the effective treatment of the symptoms of Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS). It contains three powerful ingredients – Fennel, Pulsatilla and Melissa – to treat the most troublesome symptoms of PMS. Use Femalite together with MindSoothe and say goodbye to bloating, sore breasts, menstrual cramps, mean mood swings and PMS depression!
These natural remedies are manufactured by Native Remedies. We thoroughly researched the company that makes these natural formulas and have found that all of their herbal products are created using their Full Spectrum Approach™ (FSA), a set of standards and processes that combines the best quality, laboratory-tested, raw ingredients, good manufacturing practices and a Full Spectrum manufacturing method to guarantee you products of the highest quality, safety and effectiveness.
All Native Remedies‘ formulas contain no animal products, gluten, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, are not tested on animals, and backed by our One Year Unconditional Money Back Guarantee. Plus, individual homeopathic ingredients are listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS).
Also, they use the WHOLE HERB in FemaLite and MindSoothe, the purest form of the herb with the highest quality and therapeutic benefits.
