What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - What Causes Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

PMDD or Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome and is also known as premenstrual depression. Almost 75 percent of menstruating women in the general population are affected by mild to moderate premenstrual symptoms. But almost 10 percent of menstruating women ar diagnosed with PMDD, which can be an extremely disabling form of premenstrual syndrome. It is a mood disorder that is associated with the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and was originally called late luteal phase dysphoric disorder (LLPDD). This is a debilitating disorder and can cause great distress to the sufferrer.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is differentiated from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) by the severeity of its symptoms and the kind of impact it can have on interpersonal as well as social relationships. The key feature of this disorder is that it results in tehdisruption of the normal functioning of the individual in daily life.

Symptoms of PMDD:

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can cause severe disability dur to physical, mental or emotional symptoms and is accompanied by great misery and distress. Symptoms begin to appear at least a week befor the onset of menstruatuion and begin to subside after one bleeding begins. Major symptoms of this disorder include:

Pervasive feelings of melancholy or depression
Feelings of anxiety accompanied by feeling that one is on the edge
Uncontrollable mood swings
Crying spells
Persistent anger
Irritability
Fatigue
Feelings of lethargy
Decreased interest in daily activities
Feelings of being out of control
Muscle aches, joint pain and headaches
Breast tenderness
Falling and staying asleep for long periods of time
Changes in appetite marked by overeating or specific food cravings
Increased heart palpitation
Shallow breathing

Causes of Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD):

The exact causes of PMDD are unknown. PMDD is usually accompanied by Major Depressive disorder and can also occur in women aho do not have a history of the latter.