Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

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Sadly, most doctors do not officially diagnose PMDD because it is typically played down and thought of as women “just being dramatic.” When there is a doctor that is able to identify the symptoms of PMDD, it can actually take about two months to officially diagnose the person with the condition. Thankfully, PMDD is very treatable. Treatment plans include reducing the symptoms, as with most cases, and improving their social and occupational functioning. Herbs and supplements are used in most cases, and can make a huge impact. The most common nonpharmacologic treatments are evening primrose oil, chaste tree berry, vitamin b and e, calcium carbohydrates, magnesium, and tryptophan. Along with some lifestyle changes, this can be a very effective way to treat PMDD. However, sometimes prescriptions such as antidepressants and anxiolytic medications need to be used in order to gain the desired recession (The PMDD Phenomenon: Breakthrough Treatments for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and Extreme Premenstrual Syndrome).

PMDD can be a devastating disorder to have, but with the help that is available, it is not a bad life overall. Though only a small amount of women have to deal with it, it is still an issue that needs more awareness because it can easily go unnoticed. Most women may not even know that they have it since there is no way of knowing if it is just regular PMS or something more. As stated above, suicide is an issue with those suffering from PMDD, but it doesn’t have to be since it is treatable. There just needs to be a way for people to understand when the line between PMS and PMDD is crossed.

References

Bhatia, S. C. (2002, October 01). Diagnosis and Treatment of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Retrieved April 12, 2017, from http://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/1001/p1239.html

Black, D. W., & Grant, J. E. (2013). DSM-5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Dell, D. L., & Svec, C. (2003). The PMDD Phenomenon: Breakthrough Treatments for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Extreme Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Chicago: Contemporary Books.

Edelberg, D. (2017, January 26). Case Study: Melanie's PMS Hell. Retrieved April 12, 2017, from http://wholehealthchicago.com/2009/08/18/case-study-melanie%e2%80%99s-pms-hell/

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2017, from https://www.floridahospital.com/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd/statistics-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd