PMDD and Its Impact on Mental Health

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, is a condition that affects a significant number of people with menstrual cycles. While many individuals experience mood changes and physical discomfort before their period, PMDD is characterised by severe emotional and physical symptoms that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. In this blog post, we'll explore what PMDD is, how it affects mental health, and what individuals can do to manage their symptoms.

What is PMDD?

PMDD is a condition that affects people with menstrual cycles, typically starting in the late teens or early twenties. It's a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and its symptoms typically start one to two weeks before menstruation and go away a few days after it starts. While it's not entirely clear what causes PMDD, researchers believe that it may be related to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.

What are the symptoms of PMDD? 

PMDD symptoms can vary from person to person, but some common ones include:

• Depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts

• Anxiety, tension, or feeling “on edge”

• Mood swings

• Irritability or anger

• Decreased interest in activities

• Difficulty concentrating

• Fatigue or low energy

• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

• Physical symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain.

How does PMDD impact mental health? 

PMDD can have a significant impact on mental health. The severity of the symptoms can make it difficult to function in daily life and may affect relationships, work, and social activities. People with PMDD may feel overwhelmed and hopeless, and the symptoms may lead to depression or anxiety. PMDD can also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Managing PMDD Symptoms

While there's no cure for PMDD, there are several things people can do to manage their symptoms.

Medication: Some individuals may benefit from medication to manage PMDD symptoms. Antidepressants, birth control pills, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can all help alleviate symptoms.

To learn more about how psychiatric medication works, read Psychiatric Medication: Everything You Need to Know. 

Therapy: Therapy can also be an effective treatment for PMDD. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can help individuals learn coping strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their mood.

Self-Care: Engaging in self-care activities such as exercise, mindfulness, and stress reduction techniques can help alleviate PMDD symptoms. Eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep can also help manage symptoms.

Support Groups: Joining a support group can provide individuals with PMDD with a safe and supportive space to share their experiences and connect with others who are going through the same thing.

It's important to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all treatment for PMDD. It may take some trial and error to find the right combination of treatments that work for an individual.

PMDD is a challenging condition that can have a significant impact on mental health. It's essential for individuals with PMDD to seek support from healthcare professionals, loved ones, and support groups. While there's no cure for PMDD, there are several treatments available to manage symptoms and improve

If you or your loved one is experiencing symptoms of PMDD, we encourage you to seek professional support from a therapist or a psychiatrist.