PMDD or Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)is a chronic 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 the disruption of the normal functioning of the individual in daily life. Various PMDD treatments are vaialable based on the symptoms.

The symptoms of this disorder include constant feelings of gloom and depression, anxiety, uncontrollable mood swings, crying spells without any apparent reason, anger, irritability, loss of interest in daily activities, weakness, feelings of being out of control, muscular aches and pains, headache, tenderness in breast, hypersomnia, changes in appetite accompanied by food cravings and overeating, increased heart rate, shallow breathing, changes in sex drive. If any of the five symptoms persist, then the woman might be suffering from PMDD. The symptoms begin to make an appearance at least a week before the onset of menstrual bleeding and begin to subside once the bleeding begins.

PMDD Treatment:

The treatment of PMDD is aimed at subsiding the symptoms through lifestyle changes and administeration of certain SSRIs that provide relief in the condition.

Medications: The US Food and Drug Association has recommended four medication for the treatment of PMDD that include Fluoxetine also known as Prozac, Sertraline als known as Zoloff, Paroxetine also known as Paxil and Escitalopram Oxalate also known as Laxapro.

Therapy: Hormone therapy is also a great alternative for providing relief from the symptoms of PMDD. This includes the intake of contraceptive pills which are known to eliminate or lessen the symptoms.

Thwe only permanent and complete cure for this disorder is the removel of the ovaries or introduction of menopause. But this has various complications related to childbirth and other factors.