Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

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Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), causes physical and mood-related symptoms that seriously disrupt a woman's life and relationships. PMDD symptoms develop during the latter half of each menstrual cycle, after ovulation, and go away during the first few days of each menstrual period.

PMDD symptoms are related to hormone changes during the menstrual cycle. Emotional symptoms include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, irritability and sensitivity, anger, being overwhelmed, and the need to withdraw from others. Physical and behavioral symptoms include lack of energy, problems with concentrating, sleep problems, food cravings or binge eating, breast tenderness, bloating and weight gain, headaches, and joint or muscle pain.

Women diagnosed with PMDD are typically encouraged to use healthy lifestyle choices and prescription medication to manage their symptoms.

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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