Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Up to 8% of women experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition that can cause debilitating psychological, physical, and behavioral symptoms. At Lewis Family Psychiatry in Wellington, Florida, the team of experienced PMDD specialists offers comprehensive assessment and treatment services to women throughout the state via telemedicine. Call the office or click on the online scheduling feature to set up your first visit today. 

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

PMDD is a far more severe type of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). As with PMS, PMDD causes unpleasant psychological, physical, and behavioral symptoms starting a week to 10 days ahead of your period. The symptoms continue through the early part of your period (usually the first few days).

What are the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

PMDD symptoms commonly include: 

Psychological

Psychological symptoms of PMDD commonly include anxiety, depression, irritability, major mood swings, feeling sensitive to rejection, feeling overwhelmed, and sudden tearfulness. 

Physical 

Some common physical symptoms of PMDD include abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, excessive sleepiness, lethargy, extremity swelling, and joint pain.  

Behavioral 

Some common behavioral symptoms of PMDD include forgetfulness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. 

Most of these symptoms appear with PMS as well, but with PMDD, symptoms are more intense, particularly sadness, mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. 

Because PMS and PMDD share many symptoms, it can be hard to know what you’re dealing with. But, if your symptoms are causing issues in your daily life, they require attention. 

How is premenstrual dysphoric disorder diagnosed?

The team of experienced professionals at Lewis Family Psychiatry can diagnose PMDD. Generally speaking, diagnosis requires a history of five or more symptoms during most menstrual periods over one year. 

You may need testing to rule out other medical conditions before you receive a PMDD diagnosis. 

How is premenstrual dysphoric disorder treated?

PMDD treatment focuses on relieving intrusive symptoms and helping you get back to your life. The Lewis Family Psychiatry team offers comprehensive psychiatric care for PMDD, including psychopharmacology (medication tailored to your disorder), psychiatric counseling, and lifestyle guidance. 

The practice provides genetic testing as well. Through genetic testing, the team can identify the medications that may work best for your body. This reduces the process of trying different medications and waiting to find out whether they work. So, genetic testing allows for faster and more effective pharmacological treatment. 

If you’re struggling with disruptive symptoms before and during your periods, it could be PMDD. Lewis Family Psychiatry provides the best telepsychiatry help that you can access from any place in Florida. Call the office or click on the online booking link today.