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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Blog

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects a significant number of women in the UK. PMDD can cause intense emotional and physical symptoms, which can interfere with daily life and relationships. In this blog, we will explore what PMDD is, how it can affect mental health, and provide tips to help support your mental health. We will also discuss recommended treatments, including both medication and therapy, supported by relevant references and data in the UK.

 

What is PMDD?

PMDD is a menstrual cycle-related disorder that occurs in the luteal phase, which is the second half of the menstrual cycle. The symptoms of PMDD are similar to those of PMS, but they are more severe and debilitating. PMDD can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including:

  • Intense mood swings, irritability, and anger
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Insomnia or hypersomnia
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness, bloating, and headaches.

The exact cause of PMDD is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. Women who have a personal or family history of depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder may be more susceptible to PMDD.

 

How does PMDD affect mental health?

PMDD can have a significant impact on mental health. The emotional symptoms associated with PMDD can be severe and can lead to feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and despair. Women with PMDD may also experience anxiety and panic attacks, which can make it difficult to carry out daily activities.

PMDD can also affect relationships. Women with PMDD may find it difficult to communicate with their partners, family, and friends, which can lead to social isolation and loneliness. In severe cases, PMDD can even lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

 

Tips to help support your mental health:

If you are experiencing PMDD, there are several things you can do to help support your mental health:

  1. Practice self-care: It's essential to take care of yourself physically and emotionally. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
  2. Track your symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms and when they occur. This can help you identify patterns in your symptoms and better understand your triggers.
  3. Seek support: Reach out to friends and family for support. Joining a support group for women with PMDD can also be helpful.
  4. Practice relaxation techniques: Engage in relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. These can help reduce stress and anxiety.
  5. Consider therapy: Therapy can be an effective treatment for PMDD. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are two types of therapy that have been shown to be effective for PMDD.

 

Recommended treatments for PMDD:

There are several treatments available for PMDD, including medication and therapy.

  1. Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medication for PMDD. SSRIs can help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Other medications that may be prescribed for PMDD include hormonal contraceptives and diuretics.
  2. Therapy: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are two types of therapy that have been shown to be effective for PMDD. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, while IPT focuses on improving relationships and communication skills.

 

Data in the UK

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on the diagnosis and management of PMDD, treatment:

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition that affects some women during the menstrual cycle. It is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects about 5-8% of women in their reproductive years in the UK (1). PMDD is characterized by a combination of physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms that are experienced one to two weeks before the start of the menstrual period and resolve within a few days after the period starts (2).

Symptoms of PMDD can vary but commonly include feelings of sadness, irritability, anxiety, tension, and mood swings. Other symptoms include bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and fatigue. The severity of these symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can significantly impact a woman's quality of life, relationships, and ability to function at work or school.

If you are struggling with PMDD, there are several things you can do to support your mental health and manage your symptoms:

  1. Keep a Symptom Diary: Keeping track of your symptoms in a diary or an app can help you identify patterns and triggers. This can be helpful in planning for upcoming cycles and taking preventive measures to reduce the severity of symptoms.
  2. Self-Care: Practicing self-care is essential for managing PMDD symptoms. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation such as meditation, yoga, or taking a warm bath. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can also help manage symptoms.
  3. Therapy: Therapy can be helpful in managing PMDD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that has been found to be effective in managing PMDD symptoms (3). CBT can help individuals learn coping skills and strategies to manage negative thoughts and emotions.
  4. Medication: There are several medications available to manage PMDD symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant medication that has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of PMDD (4). These medications work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help regulate mood and emotions.

In addition to these tips, it is essential to seek professional help if you are struggling with PMDD. A mental health professional can help you develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.

In conclusion, PMDD can be a challenging condition to manage, but there are several things you can do to support your mental health and manage your symptoms. Practicing self-care, therapy, medication, and keeping a symptom diary are all effective strategies for managing PMDD symptoms. Seeking professional help is also essential for developing a treatment plan that works best for you.

 

References:

  1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. 2019. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng193/chapter/Context.
  2. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association. 2013.
  3. Epperson CN, Steiner M, Hartlage SA, Eriksson E, Schmidt PJ, Jones I, et al. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: evidence for a new category for DSM-5. Am J Psychiatry. 2012;169(5):465-75.
  4. Freeman EW. Treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Womens Health (Lond). 2005;1(1):81-93.

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