Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), is a mental health condition influenced by the menstrual cycle, and it’s recognized in the DSM-5 as a depressive disorder. PMDD can lead to symptoms including anxiety, extreme mood cycles and physical discomfort. Left untreated, PMDD can continue causing intense chronic symptoms. Seeking professional mental health treatment can be essential to managing the symptoms of PMDD. Learning more about PMDD can help you get more insight into your own condition and how seeking treatment might help you.

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

PMDD is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Though there is no clear cause, hormonal shifts may play a role. While hormonal fluctuations are normal, and individuals with PMDD are generally within normal ranges, they tend to have an increased sensitivity to these changes, possibly involving serotonin dysregulation. Research shows that PMDD symptom duration varies from a few days to two weeks. PMDD symptoms usually begin one to two weeks before menstruation (during the luteal phase) and lessen or disappear within a few days after the onset of menstruation. These symptoms tend to fade, then return with the next period. PMDD can develop at any point during your menstruating years. Symptoms most often first appear in a person’s 20s, according to one study. This means college-aged students may be more likely to develop PMDD. As a college student, managing PMDD can be a challenge. The physical and mental symptoms of the condition may interfere with your daily life and responsibilities. If you’re struggling to manage your symptoms, getting professional support and treatment can be vital.

Potential symptoms of PMDD

• Mood swings — PMDD can come with extreme mood cycles. You may have a hard time maintaining emotional stability. PMDD can cause you to quickly shift from being happy to being deeply sad. The mood instability that can come with PMDD can be difficult to manage. You may have a hard time trusting your emotions and interacting with other people during waves of PMDD symptoms. If you experience major mood shifts due to PMDD, a licensed clinical therapist can work with you to stay aware of your emotions and work through shifts as they happen. Staying mindful and focused during mood shifts can help you reduce their impact on your overall mental well-being.
• Anxiety — Experiencing heightened anxiety in the days leading up to menstruation can be indicative of PMDD. During this time, you may feel restless and worried. Your thoughts may race through your mind. In some cases, extreme anxiety can lead to panic attacks. Professional intervention can be key to preventing panic attacks and reducing your anxiety-related symptoms. Your therapist can help you practice relaxation techniques customized to fit your situation. You can also work to change anxious thoughts and behavior patterns during your therapy sessions.
• Anger — Irritability is a common symptom of PMDD. Irritability and anger are often connected to the overall emotional instability that can come with this condition. If you have PMDD, you may notice yourself getting frustrated and angry more easily. Individualized psychotherapy can provide a safe space to talk through these feelings. Your therapist can then help you practice anger management skills and nonaggressive conflict resolution strategies.
• Physical pain — PMDD tends to cause physical and mental symptoms. Common physical symptoms include breast tenderness, headaches, swelling of extremities and sleep disturbances. Though not necessarily painful, bloating or weight gain can be another physical indicator of PMDD. Experiencing these physical symptoms can lead to major emotional distress. During this time, professional support can help you stay positive and motivated. 
• Fatigue — Feeling tired in the week leading up to menstruation is common with PMDD. This fatigue can hinder your ability to keep up with daily responsibilities like coursework. To manage your fatigue, following a well-balanced schedule is important. Your therapist can help you build a schedule that includes all your responsibilities while also leaving time for rest and self-care.

In some cases, PMDD can lead to severe mood swings, feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm.

Get professional support managing your PMDD symptoms with Lightfully U

At Lightfully U, we’re committed to helping each client get the treatment they need. When it comes to PMDD, we’ll work with you to address the associated mental health symptoms and build effective coping skills. Everything we do revolves around data-driven, whole-person-centered care. We utilize a unique approach to treatment called Precision Care Model (PCM). PCM is a fully personalized framework using the most effective aspects of evidence-based modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy. We also incorporate compassion-based and somatic therapies to target the drivers behind mental health disorders. With treatment delivered by compassionate experts, you can start managing your PMDD and reducing its impact on your life.

Change is possible. If you want to learn more about PMDD and your treatment options, contact us. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.