What is PMDD~ Medical Version

 

I wrote a definition in my intro, but I wanted to add more here on PMDD. I will list a few ‘medical’ definitions here so that you can decide if this sounds like some of the symptoms you may be living with. If you don’t, but my story interests you, of course… Please continue reading and enjoy.

In the section, personal lists of PMDD I will list a more personal account of what it is like living with PMDD.

Here we go…

A. www.URAC.org
Symptoms
The symptoms of PMDD are similar to those of PMS, but they are generally more severe and debilitating. Symptoms occur during the last week of most menstrual cycles and usually improve within a few days after the period starts.

Five or more of the following symptoms must be present:

Feeling of sadness or hopelessness, possible suicidal thoughts
Feelings of tension or anxiety
Panic attacks
Mood swings marked by periods of teariness
Persistent irritability or anger that affects other people
Disinterest in daily activities and relationships
Trouble concentrating
Fatigue or low energy
Food cravings or binge eating
Sleep disturbances
Feeling out of control
Physical symptoms, such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain

B. www.APA.org
Approximately 3 to 9 percent of women experience premenstrual changes so severe they can’t keep up their daily routines. Some experts say these women suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition characterized by intense emotional and physical symptoms that occur between ovulation and menstruation. In other words, PMDD is like supercharged PMS.

C. http://www.geocities.com/pmddandpms/faqs.html
The main symptoms1 of PMDD are:

· Depression:

o Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood

o Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

o Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

o Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex

o Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

o Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain

o Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”

o Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts

o Restlessness, irritability

o Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

· Unreasonable anger and hostility

· Loss of self-control

· Denial

· Anxiety, tension and self-doubt

· Psychotic behavior (i.e. loss of contact with reality)

· Nightmares

· Distorted and confused thinking

· Withdrawal from social activities and personal relationships

· Frequent tearfulness

· Rejection sensitivity

· Labile thinking and intellectual instability, i.e. readily undergoing change or breakdown

· Severe feelings of being overwhelmed

· A physical feeling or sensation of ‘heaviness’ in the region of the solar plexus (psyche)

· Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to conventional treatment, such as: headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain, or increased sensitivity to pain2

Life w/ PMDD