Table of Contents
- Depression
- Anxiety and tension
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Change in sexual interest and desire (although some women lose interest, others have a heightened drive)
- Irritability
- Hostility and outbursts of anger (in severe cases, violence toward self and others)
- Mood swings
- Inability to concentrate and some memory loss
- Crying
- Lethargy, fatigue, and lack of energy
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
The American Psychiatric Association has specific criteria that defines premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD is a condition marked by severe depression, irritability, and tension before menstruation. PMDD has features of both anxiety and depression disorders.
Diagnostic Criteria. Symptoms must occur during the last week of the premenstrual (luteal) phase in most menstrual cycles. They should resolve within a few days after the period starts. They should markedly interfere with work or social functioning. Also, symptoms should not just be those of another underlying disorder.
Five or more of the following symptoms must occur:
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness, possible suicidal thoughts
- Feelings of tension, anxiety, or edginess
- Sudden mood swings marked by feeling suddenly tearful or feeling increased sensitivity to rejection
- Persistent irritability or anger that causes conflict with other people
- Disinterest in daily activities and relationships
- Trouble concentrating
- Fatigue or low energy
- Food cravings or bingeing
- Sleep disturbances (oversleeping or insomnia)
- Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
- Physical symptoms, such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain
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Review Date: 07/26/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
