Premenstrual%20dysphoric%20disorder Signs and Symptoms
Introduction
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- PMS is a group of recurrent mild to moderate physical and/or emotional symptoms occurring during the late luteal phase of the ovulatory cycle that do not usually interfere with the patient’s usual level of function
- Occurs in approximately 75% of women of reproductive age, among whom 20-50% report moderate to severe symptoms
Definition
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- PMDD is a cyclical disorder presenting with distressing mood and behavioral symptoms that occur during the late luteal phase of the ovulatory cycle; it is a severe form of PMS
- PMDD results in considerable impairment of the patient’s personal functioning
- Occurs in approximately 5% of women of reproductive age
Underlying Medical and Psychiatric Disorders
The following medical conditions may mimic PMDD with premenstrual exacerbation:
- Allergies
- Anemia
- Asthma
- Autoimmune or collagen vascular disorders
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Endocrine disorders [diabetes mellitus (DM), hypothyroidism]
- Epilepsy
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Migraine
- Panhypopituitarism
- Polycystic ovarian disease
The following psychiatric conditions may mimic PMDD with premenstrual exacerbation:
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Bulimia
- Cyclothymic disorder
- Depression
- Dysthymic disorder
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
- Psychosocial (current victim of physical abuse or history of sexual abuse)
- Panic disorder