Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
A mood disorder involving significant mood symptoms, such as irritability or depressed mood, occurring in the final week before menses and improving after onset.
Overview
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder involves marked mood lability, irritability, depressed mood, or anxiety occurring in the final week before the onset of menses, improving within a few days after onset, and becoming minimal or absent in the week post-menses.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include mood swings, irritability, depressed mood, anxiety, and physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or bloating, occurring in a clear cyclical pattern. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause is not fully understood. Sensitivity to normal hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle is thought to play a central role.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy may help manage mood symptoms associated with the premenstrual phase.
Medication
Certain medications, including some antidepressants used on a cyclical or continuous basis, are FDA-approved or commonly used to manage symptoms. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.
Living With Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Tracking symptoms across the menstrual cycle can help confirm the pattern and guide treatment timing.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Many individuals experience significant symptom improvement with treatment tailored to the cyclical pattern.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institute of Mental Health.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.