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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder – PMDD

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, commonly known as PMDD, is a condition that affects many women during their menstrual cycle. It can have a significant impact on physical and emotional well-being, but with proper understanding and management, it’s possible to live a healthier and more comfortable life.

What is PMDD?

PMDD is an abbreviation for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. It’s a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects a small percentage of women, typically in their reproductive years. PMDD goes beyond the usual mood swings, cramps, and bloating associated with PMS, causing more severe emotional and physical symptoms.

Common Symptoms

  1. Emotional Symptoms:
    • Severe mood swings
    • Intense irritability
    • Feelings of hopelessness
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
  2. Physical Symptoms:
    • Breast tenderness
    • Bloating
    • Fatigue
    • Headaches
    • Joint and muscle pain
  3. Behavioral Symptoms:
    • Changes in sleep patterns
    • Appetite changes
    • Difficulty concentrating

Diagnosis

Diagnosing PMDD can be challenging because its symptoms can overlap with other conditions such as depression and anxiety. To confirm PMDD, it’s important to track symptoms over several menstrual cycles to establish whether there is a pattern. It is also important to discuss symptoms with a medical doctor, who can help to exclude other physical health conditions that could be causing the symptoms.

Treatment Options

The good news is that PMDD can be managed effectively with Cognitive-behavioural Therapies, which can assist with helping a person to make thinking, feeling and lifestyle changes that can help reduce symptoms. Medical doctors can be of great assistance in helping to manage this condition.

Self-Care Tips

In addition to medical treatment, self-care can make a significant difference in managing PMDD:

  1. Keep a Symptom Diary: Tracking your symptoms can help you anticipate and manage them more effectively.
  2. Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity can improve mood and reduce physical discomfort.
  3. Stress Management: Techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress.
  4. Dietary Changes: Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and salty foods before and during your period may alleviate symptoms.

In conclusion, PMDD is a challenging condition, but please remember that you’re not alone. If you suspect you have PMDD, consult a healthcare provider who can guide you through the diagnosis and treatment process. With the right support, lifestyle changes, and possibly medication, you can effectively manage PMDD and enjoy a better quality of life during your menstrual cycle.

At Moving Forward, we take an individualised approach to helping people with their problems. Therapy is tailored to the individual’s unique needs, and some individuals may benefit from a combination of therapeutic approaches, and in some cases, the input of other health professionals and services.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you would like some help. To enquire about an appointment at Moving Forward Clinical Psychologists, please complete our Online Contact Form, or call us on 1300 133 013. Our experienced Clinical Psychologists are located in Terrigal (10 minutes from Erina) on the beautiful NSW Central Coast. We are also available Australia wide, via Telehealth.
Other Counselling and Mental Health Services

Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/Pages/mental-health-line.aspx
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 – https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Suicide Call Back Service 1300659 467 – https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
Alcohol and Drug Information Service 1800 422 599 – https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Pages/adis.aspx
Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858 – https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/