Post by Courtney on Jun 29, 2012 17:21:45 GMT -5
PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER (PMDD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, afflicting 3% to 8% of women. It is a diagnosis associated primarily with the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Up to one-third of women diagnosed with PMDD report residual symptoms into the first 2 or 3 days of the follicular phase.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Like PMS, premenstrual dysphoric disorder follows a predictable, cyclic pattern. Symptoms begin in the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (after ovulation) and end shortly after menstruation begins.
Emotional symptoms are generally present, and in PMDD, mood symptoms are dominant. Substantial disruption to personal relationships is typical for women with PMDD. Anxiety, anger, and depression may also occur. The main symptoms, which can be disabling, include
feelings of deep sadness or despair, and suicide ideation
feelings of intense tension or anxiety
increased intense sensitivity to rejection or criticism
panic attacks
rapid and severe mood swings, bouts of uncontrollable crying
lasting irritability or anger, increased interpersonal conflicts; typically sufferers are unaware of the impact they have on those close to them
apathy or disinterest in daily activities and relationships
difficulty concentrating
chronic fatigue
food cravings or binge eating
insomnia or hypersomnia; sleeping more than usual, or (in a smaller group of sufferers) being unable to sleep
feeling overwhelmed or feelings of being out of control
increase or decrease in sex drive
increased need for emotional closeness
Common physical symptoms include:
breast tenderness or swelling, heart palpitations, headaches, joint or muscle pain, swollen face and nose
an altered view of one's body - a sensation of 'bloating', feeling fat or actual weight gain.
Five or more of these symptoms may indicate PMDD.
SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA