Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

What is Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?

Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a psychiatric condition that can cause significant distress, and affect one’s emotional well-being, academic life, work life and even personal relationships. While it is common for women to experience a degree of emotional and physical discomfort in the days leading up to their menstrual periods, women with pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder experience significant distress, that may interfere with their lives, be difficult to manage, and may lead to severe symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, and even suicidal thoughts.

Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder is believed to be an abnormal physical and emotional reaction to normal hormones, that fluctuate in the days prior to a woman’s menses. These hormones (which include Estrogen and Progesterone) can affect serotonin and other healthy brain chemicals, that impact mood.

Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a treatable medical condition. If you are struggling with your symptoms, we recommend that you reach out to a women’s mental health specialist to discuss treatment options for this condition. Treatments may include medications that increase the availability of serotonin (such as anti-depressants), hormonal therapy (typically a second line treatment, prescribed in coordination with a primary care provider or OBGYN), diet and lifestyle modification and others.

Many do not realize that medications that treat Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (even anti-depressants) often work quickly, and may not need to be taken every day.

What is PMS and how is it different from Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?

Premenstrual Syndrome (or PMS) is a less severe form of Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder. PMS affects roughly 75% of women with regular menstrual cycles, while PMDD affects about 5% of women.

• Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects roughly 5% of women.

What are Risk Factors for Developing Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

Risk factors for the development of Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) include a history of moderate or severe PMS symptoms, a personal history of major depressive disorder or mood disorders, a family history of Major Depressive Disorder or other mood disorders, and others.

What Symptoms may be associated with Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?

Women with Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder may notice a decrease in their mood, increase in anxiety, increase in irritability and/or other emotional distress, during the week before their menstrual periods, with symptoms resolving within a few days after the start of their periods.

Symptoms during the week prior to menses may include:

• Depressed mood, difficulty enjoying things that one typically enjoys and feelings of hopelessness
• Increased anxiety or feeling overwhelmed
• Increased anger, irritability and/or mood swings
• Decreased confidence and lower self-esteem
• Crying spells
• Difficulty with focus and concentration
• Low energy and motivation
• Changes in appetite, or emotional eating
• Disturbances with sleep (such as insomnia or broken sleep)
• Suicidal thoughts
  • Call 911 or 988 if you experience suicidal thoughts
• Others

What Treatments are Available for Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?

Treatment for Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) may include:

• Medication Management. Many do not realize that medications that increase the availability of serotonin can work much quicker for PMDD than other psychiatric conditions, and may not need to be taken daily.
• Psychotherapy
• Recommendations for supplements such as Calcium, Magnesium and B Vitamins.
• Behavioral Changes – such as limiting caffeine, limiting alcohol, increasing exercise and others.

Do You Offer Both In-office and Virtual Online Psychiatric Appointments for Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder Treatment?

Yes, we offer both in-office and virtual online psychiatric appointments for the treatment of Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder and associated Psychiatric symptoms.

Why Choose Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for my Women’s Mental Health Treatment, and Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder Treatment?

The providers at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are academically oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at academic institutions. Our providers are Board Certified Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and we have several licensed and doctoral level therapists and psychologists. We are experienced in working with individuals who struggle with various psychiatric conditions, including Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

• A Dedicated Director of Women’s Mental Health, Dr. Emily Bernstein, with a focus on Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder and related conditions.
• Board Certified Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
• Licensed Therapists and Doctoral Level Psychologists
• Academically Oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at local Academic Institutions, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital & The University of Pennsylvania.
• Appointments generally available within 2 weeks.
• In-office and online Virtual Appointments for the treatment of Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
• Providers experienced in treating co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
• Providers who are welcoming to all individuals.

Click here, for our page on Women’s Mental Health.