PMS Depression or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a
severe form of PMS and is diagnosed by the pattern of symptoms.
PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is a group of approximately 150
different symptoms that happen in the 2 weeks prior to the start
of a woman’s period. The symptoms can be both physical and
emotional and are very real. Symptoms were once thought to be
hysterical and only in the mind of the woman but after years of
research scientists have found that over 50 million women suffer
from these symptoms each month. These symptoms can significantly
interfere with social, occupational and sexual functioning. For
a diagnosis of PMDD to be made the woman must have a symptom
free period during her follicular phase of the menstrual cycle
to distinguish it from other pre-existing anxiety and mood
disorders. The features of PMDD and depressions have
considerable overlap. Approximately 30-75% of the women
diagnosed with PMDD also have a lifetime history of depression,
compared to the 15% of women without P